centimeter

noun

cen·​ti·​me·​ter ˈsen-tə-ˌmē-tər  ˈsän- 

: a unit of length equal to 1/100 meter see Metric System Table

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In the metric system, which is used in most countries of the world, each basic unit of measure of length, area, or volume can be divided into centimeters. A meter consists of 100 centimeters, a square meter consists of 10,000 square centimeters, and a cubic meter consists of 1,000,000 cubic centimeters.

Examples of centimeter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Butler testified during the trial that the bullet hit him in the shoulder and missed his spine by centimeters. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Skirts, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, hats, headbands, wristbands and socks must be completely white (allowing for one centimeter of trim). — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

However, this particular vertebra, which measures around 10 centimeters (four inches) in diameter, belongs to a juvenile or small adult that would have been around six to seven meters (20-23 feet) long, according to the statement. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

The $198 sandal is crafted from dark brown fabric with what looks like a subtle animal print and set on a 9-centimeter stiletto. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing centimeter

• centimeter-gram-second

Rhymes for centimeter

• amphitheater
• bolometer
• centimetre
• decimeter
• ergometer
• expositor
• gasometer
• gravimeter
• hexameter
• manometer
• milliliter
• millimeter

Kids Definition

centimeter

noun

cen·​ti·​me·​ter ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər  ˈsänt- 

: a unit of length equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ meter see metric system

Medical Definition

centimeter

noun

cen·​ti·​me·​ter

variants or chiefly British centimetre

ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər  ˈsänt- 

: a unit of length equal to ¹/₁₀₀ meter