era

1 of 2

noun

ˈer-ə 

ˈe-rə, 

ˈir-ə 

1

a

: a fixed point in time from which a series of years is reckoned

b

: a memorable or important date or event

especially : one that begins a new period in the history of a person or thing

2

: a system of chronological notation computed from a given date as basis

3

a

: a period identified by some prominent figure or characteristic feature

the era of the horse and buggy

b

: a stage in development (as of a person or thing)

c

: a large division of geologic time usually shorter than an eon

Paleozoic era

ERA

2 of 2

abbreviation

1

earned run average

2

Equal Rights Amendment

Synonyms of era

Noun

• day
• age
• time
• period
• epoch

Choose the Right Synonym for era

period, epoch, era, age mean a division of time.

period may designate an extent of time of any length.

periods of economic prosperity

epoch applies to a period begun or set off by some significant or striking quality, change, or series of events.

the steam engine marked a new epoch in industry

era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things.

the era of global communications

age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature.

the age of Samuel Johnson

Examples of era in a Sentence

Noun

the era of the horse and buggy

We're just now entering an era of great prosperity.

His death marks the end of an era.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The collaboration pairs one of the most recognizable music artists of the last decade with a menu item designed to bring back familiar memories from Fetty Wap’s biggest era, while also celebrating his influence on pop culture and music. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 24 June 2026

The blasts of noise and oregano at Kafeneion, a restaurant above a wine bar in a building across from the city’s Victorian-era Parliament House, ricocheted my brain to my one trip to Athens a dozen years earlier. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

While the day was ceremonial as the Bills begin a new era in their new stadium, Kelly's announcement wasn't news anyone expected. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

Boozer is expected to be the cornerstone of Memphis’s next era, as guard Ja Morant is reportedly on the trade block as well. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Late Latin aera, from Latin, counters, plural of aer-, aes copper, money — more at ore

First Known Use

Noun

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing era

• Christian era
• Islamic era
• Muslim era
• vulgar era

Rhymes for era

• cara
• naira
• narra
• sara
• sarah
• sclera
• terra
• vera
• verra
• antisera
• cladocera
• cordillera

Kids Definition

era

noun

ˈir-ə  ˈer-ə 

ˈē-rə

1

: a period of time beginning with some special date or event

the Christian era

2

: an important or outstanding period of history

the Revolutionary era

3

: one of the five major divisions of geologic time

Paleozoic era