millennial

1 of 2

adjective

mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl 

1

: of or relating to a millennium

This geopolitical specification of the millennium—this identification of the New Jerusalem with a particular place and people—was rare, even in a time of millennial fervor.

—Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

2

: of, relating to , or belonging to the generation of people born in the 1980s or 1990s : of or relating to millennials

More than 60% of millennial voters support the birth control mandate.

—Katie McDonough

millennial

2 of 2

noun

: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s

—usually plural

Examples of millennial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Back in the heyday of the 2010s, millennial women would don their favorite heels and head out for the night, ready to dance away the pain to Katy Perry and Flo Rida. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025

Just ask Millie Bobby Brown, who has opted for a fresh bob after her flirtation with millennial pink hair. —Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025

Noun

Research shows that millennials, children, female caregivers, and people of color are particularly vulnerable. —Maurice Obeid, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Plenty of fellow millennials shared similar memories and reminisced about simpler times. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1991, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing millennial

• multi-millennial

Rhymes for millennial

• biennial
• centennial
• decennial
• perennial
• quadrennial
• quinquennial
• triennial
• bicentennial
• sesquicentennial

Kids Definition

millennial

1 of 2 adjective

mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl 

: of or relating to a millennium

millennial

2 of 2 noun

: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s

—usually used in plural