centenary

noun

cen·​te·​na·​ry sen-ˈte-nə-rē  ˈsen-tə-ˌner-ē 

-ˌne-rē

especially British sen-ˈtē-nə-rē

plural centenaries

: centennial

centenary adjective

Did you know?

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 June milestone coincides with the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death and the official inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026

The capsule will be re-opened in 2071 to celebrate the School’s centenary. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026

Still, topping the central tower, which soars above the transept, has been a priority ahead of celebrations this June that will mark the centenary of Gaudí’s death. —Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

But the action shifts to Paris, mainly just because Besson loves Paris, where citizens are joyously celebrating the centenary of the French Revolution. —Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin centenarium, from Latin centenarius of a hundred, from centeni one hundred each, from centum hundred — more at hundred

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for centenary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

centenary

adjective or noun

cen·​ten·​a·​ry

sen-ˈten-ə-rē, 

ˈsent-ᵊn-ˌer-ē

: centennial