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

Ever since Byzantine emperor Justinian commissioned the construction of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia in the 6th century AD, churches have also functioned as cultural landmarks and tourist attractions. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

The Knicks offense stagnated once again in their seventh game without the captain, the second leg of a road back-to-back on Thursday, failing to reach just barely reaching the century mark in a 115-98 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025

The 17th century home is five stories tall and filled with intricate furniture and custom touches she's added along the way. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Global demand for the island’s monkeys has pitted conservationists against each other; some worry the monkey trade could wipe out the animals; others view the primates, introduced to Mauritius centuries ago, as a harmful invasive species. —Byrefael Kubersky, science.org, 20 Mar. 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

Rhymes for century

• penitentiary
• plenipotentiary

Kids Definition

century

noun

cen·​tu·​ry ˈsench-(ə-)rē 

plural centuries

1

: a group of 100 things

2

: a period of 100 years