century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a period of 100 years

a company that has been in business for more than a century

specifically : one of the 100-year divisions of the Christian era or of the preceding period of human history

the third century A.D./B.C

the 18th century

2

: a group, sequence, or series of 100 like things

3

a

: a subdivision of the Roman legion

b

: a voting unit of ancient Rome constituted according to property qualifications

4

: a race over a hundred units (such as yards, miles, or meters)

Examples of century in a Sentence

It took more than a century to complete the cathedral.

The pottery dates back to the sixth century B.C.E.

When the prince got married, it was called the wedding of the century.

Recent Examples on the Web

The competition was one for the books, led by Toya Johnson-Rushing, and delved into the nuanced history of beignets in New Orleans and beyond, which originated in the city in the 18th century. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 July 2025

If Trump’s executive order did take effect across the country, an average of 250,000 U.S.-born babies every year in the next half century would lack citizenship, according to a study by the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington think tank. —Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025

There is also what De Lello described as a significant amount of road frontage, which may bolster the options for the next buyer. Woodstock, which is located in the northeastern area of Connecticut, is a quiet rural town with a rich history that dates back to the mid-17th century. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025

From Cantonese dim sum to Sichuan hotpot, Chinese food is deeply embedded in global culinary consciousness, aided by centuries of migration and trade. —Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin centuria, irregular from centum hundred

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing century

• century plant
• the turn of the century

Rhymes for century

• penitentiary
• plenipotentiary

Kids Definition

century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsench-(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a group of 100 things

2

: a period of 100 years