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

For a touch of true elegance, book the Heritage Long Suite, which occupies the former postmaster’s office and is decked out with rich crown molding, marble fireplaces, and his original writing desk from the 19th century. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

The painting remained in the Rosebery family collection for more than a century before its 2014 sale. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Ahead of the sale, it will be exhibited at the 18th-century Baroque palace Palazzo Rondinini in Rome through October 1. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The news comes as Cregger’s Resident Evil for Sony/Constantin has just crossed the two-century mark at the global box office. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026

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

Kids Definition

century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsench-(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a group of 100 things

2

: a period of 100 years