era

1 of 2

noun

ˈer-ə How to pronounce era (audio)
ˈe-rə,
ˈir-ə How to pronounce era (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The idea of ending the series was first floated by Riley last August at Big Ten media day, as the coach considered the future of nonconference scheduling in the 12-team College Football Playoff era. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 This was the era of bottle service and Britney, of The Devil Wears Prada and Von Dutch. Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024 With more and more couples opting to cohabitate without marrying, the era of Big Breakup was probably inevitable. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 Wikler said his experience organizing and winning in the era of President-elect Donald Trump has prepared him to do so on the national stage. Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for era 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of era was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near era

Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/era. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

era

noun
ˈir-ə How to pronounce era (audio) ˈer-ə How to pronounce era (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on era

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