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

After college, Lincoln earned a master’s degree in art history from the University of Delaware in 1972, concentrating on 20th century art and classical art. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

This 13th-century medieval castle sits on 47 acres of world-famous gardens. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Mid Century Modern Vista Las Palmas Estate This stay captures the best of the area’s mid-century modern design past—it was even designed by architect Charles DuBois, known for his mid-century homes in Southern California. — Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

The more than $400-million high-rise with shops and restaurants at street level is set to rise on La Brea Avenue on the site of a former concrete plant that served Los Angeles for more than a century before closing in 2024. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

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

Kids Definition

century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsench-(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a group of 100 things

2

: a period of 100 years