centenary
noun
ˈsen-tə-ˌner-ē
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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
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
Louis Vuitton celebrated the centenary of its brown and gold patterned canvas back in 1996, famously conscripting designers including Helmut Lang, Romeo Gigli, Vivienne Westwood, Azzedine Alaïa and Sybilla to design bags or travel pieces.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 30 Dec. 2025
The actress's centenary will also be celebrated by her estate with Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Publication, which culminates a selection of photos, words form scholars and admirers, and quotes from Monroe herself.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
The issue is the final in a series of four that were published to commemorate the magazine’s centenary this year; read the others here.
—Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
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 Jan. 2026.
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