centennial

noun

cen·​ten·​ni·​al sen-ˈte-nē-əl How to pronounce centennial (audio)
: a 100th anniversary or its celebration
centennial adjective
centennially adverb

Examples of centennial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This year, Billboard’s Latin Women in Music honors Cruz and her extraordinary life not on the anniversary of her death but in the centennial year of her birth. Leila Cobo, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025 With 2025 marking both the centennial of the Guna’s autonomous territory and the beginning of what may be a protracted exodus, the archipelago finds itself at a crossroads. Mark Johanson, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025 The following piece is drawn from Knight Errant: The Enduring Inspiration of William F. Buckley Jr., a collection of essays from today’s conservative leaders to celebrate the life and work of Bill Buckley during his centennial year. Doug Ducey, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025 Billed as the first major biography of Malcolm X for young people in more than 30 years, it’s set to be published in May on the centennial of Malcolm’s birth in 1925. John Blake, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for centennial

Word History

Etymology

Latin centum + English -ennial (as in biennial)

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centennial was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Centennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centennial. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

centennial

1 of 2 noun
cen·​ten·​ni·​al
sen-ˈten-ē-əl
: a 100th anniversary or its celebration

centennial

2 of 2 adjective
: relating to a period of 100 years
centennially
-ē-ə-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on centennial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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