decennial

adjective

de·​cen·​ni·​al di-ˈse-nē-əl 

1

: consisting of or lasting for 10 years

2

: occurring or being done every 10 years

the decennial census

decennial noun

decennially

di-ˈse-nē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of decennial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aurora previously sought a recount after the 2020 decennial census showed the city had a population of around 180,000, down from 197,000 in 2010 — numbers that city officials have disputed, arguing that the city’s population is actually closer to the levels found in the 2010 census. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Normally, boundaries are redrawn every 10 years to reflect population changes uncovered in the decennial census. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026

And the decennial Census counted new arrivals to determine congressional allocations, whether or not those new immigrants were citizens who could vote. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 May 2026

Traditionally, states completed redistricting only once a decade, after the decennial census required by the Constitution. —ABC News, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for decennial

• bicentennial
• biennial
• centennial
• millennial
• perennial
• quadrennial
• quinquennial
• triennial
• sesquicentennial

Kids Definition

decennial

adjective

de·​cen·​ni·​al di-ˈsen-ē-əl 

1

: consisting of 10 years

2

: happening every 10 years

decennial census

decennially

-ē-ə-lē 

adverb