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

In the 18th century, according to lore, Knight Gaspard de Stérimberg returned from the Albigensian crusade in southern France (French killing French to please an Italian Pope) and built a chapel near the summit. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

In the late 19th century, before the invention of cinema and radio, every piece of music, performance, oration—even a natural view like a rainbow—was a unique event. —Todd Eckert, WIRED, 8 Dec. 2024

Experience a classic 19th century Yuletide party on the frontier. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2024

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the cathedral underwent major restorations and additions. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsench-(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a group of 100 things

2

: a period of 100 years