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 Scores honors the late Sir George Martin on the occasion of his centenary — he was born 100 years ago, on Jan. 3, 1926. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2026

Many of the diners and motels along the 2,448-mile long highway are being spruced up for the centenary. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 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 backstory Opened in 1927, the Lowell is swiftly approaching its centenary. —Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025

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