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 Charlton Arms Straddling the River Teme above the 15th-century Ludford Bridge, this Ludlow pub is in one of Shropshire’s most picturesque settings. —James March, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025

Sazerac Rye has roots in New Orleans dating back to the 19th century, when New Orleans bartenders began to make Sazeracs using rye whiskey, when there were brandy and cognac shortages. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

Owners, not developers, likely to pay repair bills The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most famous example of uneven sinking but also evidence that such buildings can stand for centuries. —Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

Half a century later, the country has diversified its economy, built up some of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth funds, is investing heavily in technology, and is an influential player on the world stage. —Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 1 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