Definition of century
centuries
1 : a subdivision of the Roman legion
2 : a group, sequence, or series of 100 like things
3 : a period of 100 years especially of the Christian era or of the preceding period of human history the third century A.D.
4 : a race over a hundred units (such as yards, miles, or meters)
People Are Reading
Examples of century in a Sentence
It took more than a century to complete the cathedral.
Millions of people celebrated the beginning of the 21st century on January 1, 2000.
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 of century from the Web
-
No artwork was damaged by water seeping into the downtown gallery, whose original structure was designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens in the early 20th century.
-
One of the greatest days of the 20th century was June 6, 1944.
-
Though Burbank lost, 6-5, in the second round at home on Tuesday, the Bulldogs still ended the season having advanced past the first round of the playoffs for the first time this century.
-
In keeping with Sasse’s studied performance of folksy erudition, this 18th-century text is a bit of a political-philosophy deep cut.
-
The Fort Davis Historical Group still owns the depot, but lacks the financial support to save the century-old local landmark and revitalize it.
-
Having established a relationship between sleep and temperature, the researchers then used global warming projections to see how Americans’ sleep problems may worsen in the second half of the century.
-
Bunkered beneath the bucolic expanse of Blackberry Farm, the fabled gastro-utopia of the American South, lies a stockpile of intoxicants that ought to last for centuries.
-
Late in the 19th century, America was besieged by grave problems: rising economic inequality, violent labor struggles, deep conflicts over immigration and race.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'century'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of century
Latin centuria, irregular from centum hundred
Other Calendar Terms
CENTURY Defined for English Language Learners
century
playDefinition of century for English Language Learners
-
: a period of 100 years
-
: a period of 100 years counted from the beginning of the Christian era
CENTURY Defined for Kids
century
playDefinition of century for Students
centuries
: a period of 100 years
Word Root of century
The Latin word centum, meaning “hundred,” gives us the root cent. Words from the Latin centum have something to do with the number 100. A dollar is made up of 100 cents. A century is a period of 100 years. A percent is the portion of something out of 100 parts.
Learn More about century
-
Spanish Central: Translation of century Nglish: Translation of century for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of century for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about century
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up century? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!