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

Since its founding sometime in the late fourth century, Sumela has had a history full of ups and downs. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025

Allegra Goodman uses the true story of Marguerite de La Rocque, a French noblewoman who was abandoned in 16th century Canada, as inspiration for her new novel, Isola. —Shannon Carlin, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025

However, news of Cape May's beautiful setting spread to the upper-class circles in New York, Philadephia, and Washington, D.C., and by the mid-19th century, Cape May became a major seaside resort destination. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2025

How ticket pricing evolved Throughout the 21st century, revenue from recorded music has gone down while revenue from live music events has gone up. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025

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