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

More than a century after Jack Norworth penned the lyrics, a nonprofit founded with the song’s royalties is celebrating 50 years of supporting young musicians — including the talent behind some of today’s most popular musicals. —James Pollard, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025

Rediscovered in the 20th century and amplified by the 1970s feminist movement, Gentileschi’s resurgence helped pave the way for researching and foregrounding female artists of the past. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 12 June 2025

In the 20th century, the island was further sealed off by the paranoid regime of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, who turned it into a military bastion that was forbidden to civilians. —The Dial, 12 June 2025

Based in Jaipur for 10 generations, his family has sourced gems for India’s maharajas and nobility for centuries. —Jill Newman, Robb Report, 12 June 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