millennial

1 of 2

adjective

mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl 

1

: of or relating to a millennium

This geopolitical specification of the millennium—this identification of the New Jerusalem with a particular place and people—was rare, even in a time of millennial fervor.

—Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

2

: of, relating to , or belonging to the generation of people born in the 1980s or 1990s : of or relating to millennials

More than 60% of millennial voters support the birth control mandate.

—Katie McDonough

millennial

2 of 2

noun

: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s

—usually plural

Examples of millennial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With a personal new album, an upcoming world tour, and four kids at home, the millennial icon opens up about growing up in public, tabloid culture, and why this moment just feels right. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026

Since Expedia first predicted set-jetting as a travel trend in 2022, interest has grown since then with 81% of Gen Z and millennial travelers now planning their vacations based on locations featured in film and television, according to OnePoll market research. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

Noun

New data from the National Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that remote work could make a comeback as millennials and Gen Z move into managerial roles. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026

To be a millennial is to watch the cultural staples of one’s youth curdle into cringe. —Alison Herman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1991, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing millennial

• multi-millennial

Rhymes for millennial

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

Kids Definition

millennial

1 of 2 adjective

mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl 

: of or relating to a millennium

millennial

2 of 2 noun

: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s

—usually used in plural