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

Modern and traditional Jacquard weaving has come a long way from its 18th century roots to make opulent French brocade and damask textiles. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

For centuries, kings had claimed that God had given them power. —Vauhini Vara, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

In West Africa, specifically in the Kingdom of Dahomey, visual storytelling was expressed for centuries through fabric (since at least back to the reign of King Agadja, 1711-1740). —Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025

Art market looks to the past Stung by losses on contemporary art, collectors are increasingly looking backward for quality and value, as demonstrated by the sale of a 15th-century triptych by an unidentified Flemish artist for nearly $8 million last week. —semafor.com, 8 Dec. 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