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 visually stunning tome, timed to Marilyn’s centenary, recounts the friendship and creative collaboration between Josh’s grandfather Bruno Bernard, a Jewish German immigrant who became a legendary showbiz photographer, and Hollywood’s most iconic movie star.
—
Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
In honor of the late Queen Elizabeth's centenary, celebrating what would have been the queen's 100th birthday, King Charles is offering a glimpse into the royal family's private residences.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Nearly 65 years after her death, the centenary is awash with documentaries, retrospectives and limited-edition prints by Andy Warhol, among other tributes.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
His centenary was marked by tributes from across the UK and beyond and a number of broadcasts, including David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 May 2026
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Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
In honor of the late Queen Elizabeth's centenary, celebrating what would have been the queen's 100th birthday, King Charles is offering a glimpse into the royal family's private residences.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Nearly 65 years after her death, the centenary is awash with documentaries, retrospectives and limited-edition prints by Andy Warhol, among other tributes.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
His centenary was marked by tributes from across the UK and beyond and a number of broadcasts, including David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 May 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 6 Jun. 2026.
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