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

The battery storage capacity was retained above 151 Ah L⁻¹ at the same slurry concentration when a current density of 30 milliamperes per square centimeter (mA cm⁻²) was applied, the study reported. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

That is according to modelling earlier this year that suggested the average size for a temporary satellite is 75 centimeters (30 inches) across. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Her basement is now filled with water, with the house surrounded by more than 2 feet (60 centimeters) of mud. — Christopher Weber, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Identifying an abbot Rodwell found the bones were still jumbled together inside the coffin, which was hewn from a single block of limestone and measured about 7 feet (2 meters) long, with walls about 4 inches (10 centimeters) thick on average. — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 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