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

Rooms To celebrate the turning of its centenary, a major renovation of all 198 bedrooms followed a three-year closure. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Published by Curvebender in honor of Martin’s centenary, the book features a new foreword written by another knight of the turntable, Sir Paul McCartney. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Gyllenhaal will be in town with her short film Flesh Impact, created to commemorate the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, which will be shown as a Special Screening. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026

Fiorentina’s centenary was spoiled by another hefty loss as it was humiliated 3-0 at home by Frosinone. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 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
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

centenary

adjective or noun

cen·​ten·​a·​ry

sen-ˈten-ə-rē, 

ˈsent-ᵊn-ˌer-ē

: centennial