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

Once a 19th-century military outpost, Fort Robinson now combines historic sites with miles of hiking and horseback trails. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

Nearly 200 Years of Sherry Cask Tradition Founded in 1826 in the Valley of Forgue in Aberdeenshire, GlenDronach has spent almost two centuries quietly perfecting the art of sherry cask maturation. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

After all, scallops were a key element in Queen Anne and Victorian era designs from the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

Once inhabited by some of the city’s wealthiest families, Troost was the target of restrictive covenants in the early 20th century that drew a distinct line of separation. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 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