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 Ohio State standout drew rave reviews at this year’s combine, one of the best performances for a player of his size this century. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026

The hospice movement that emerged in the latter half of the last century improved conditions for patients in the later years of life, replacing sterile, clinical hospital settings with holistic care centered on pain management, dignity, and quality of life. —Tom Koutsoumpas, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

The backstory Since the late 18th century, this corner of Mayfair has been tied to notable Americans. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Apple has been one of the most important tech companies of the past half-century, since Steve Jobs began making computers in his home in 1976. —Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 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
• 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