era

1 of 2

noun

ˈer-ə 

ˈe-rə,

ˈir-ə 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• age
• day
• epoch
• period
• time

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

Noun

Cundy, for instance, has since made a career out of the fame of the brief heyday of the WAG era. —Meg Walters, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024

The Blackhawks’ uniform features a classic lace-neck collar, reminiscent of hockey’s early days, complemented by a vintage cream color intended to capture the nostalgic spirit of the Original Six era when the NHL consisted of only six teams including the Blackhawks. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024

This is supposed to be the new era in college athlete economic empowerment, when institutions of higher learning are supporting the financial prerogatives of their most physically gifted. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2024

Before departure, a team from NPR climbed aboard what is, in effect, a ghost ship — a relic from the era of great liners that connected North America with Europe. —Steve Inskeep, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing era

• Christian era
• Islamic era
• Muslim era
• vulgar era

Kids Definition

era

noun

ˈir-ə  ˈer-ə 

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