centenary
noun
cen·te·na·ry
sen-ˈte-nə-rē 
ˈsen-tə-ˌner-ē
ˈsen-tə-ˌner-ē
-ˌne-rē
especially British sen-ˈtē-nə-rē
plural centenaries
centenary
adjective
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A centenary, like its cousin centennial, is an anniversary. Thus, the year 2013 may mark the centenary of a town's founding, and the year-long calendar of public events that the town sponsors for the occasion—that is, the celebration of the anniversary—can also be called a centenary. Individuals have their own centenaries, which usually celebrate their births; thus, Gerald Ford's centenary will occur in 2013, and John Kennedy's in 2017. And if you live long enough to be a centenarian, you'll be around to join the celebrations.
Examples of centenary in a Sentence
This year marks the centenary of the building's construction.
Recent Examples on the Web
The royal family has a slate of events planned for April 21, Queen Elizabeth's centenary.
—
Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
To honor the centenary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, an undisputed icon of the 20th century and key figure in contemporary history, art is once again at the center of her legacy.
—Gustavo Egusquiza, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
Four years after the queen’s death, the shop is doing a brisk business in mugs, tea towels and key rings bearing the likeness of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch as the nation marks the centenary of her birth on Tuesday.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
The entire family is expected to participate in events to celebrate the centenary of Queen Elizabeth’s birthday on April 21.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2026
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Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
To honor the centenary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, an undisputed icon of the 20th century and key figure in contemporary history, art is once again at the center of her legacy.
—Gustavo Egusquiza, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
Four years after the queen’s death, the shop is doing a brisk business in mugs, tea towels and key rings bearing the likeness of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch as the nation marks the centenary of her birth on Tuesday.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
The entire family is expected to participate in events to celebrate the centenary of Queen Elizabeth’s birthday on April 21.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for centenary
Cite this Entry
“Centenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centenary. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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