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

The millennial generation is in a stronger financial position now than Gen X was at the same age, according to a new LendingTree analysis. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024

Approximately 60% of A+E’s FAST viewers consist of consumers who are GenZ or millennial. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024

Noun

The protagonist of this comic novel is George, a millennial with vague writerly aspirations, who sustains his aimless life style by drawing on family connections and his girlfriend’s trust fund. —The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

For millennials and Gen Z, who are juggling busy lives, casseroles offer the perfect balance of ease and creativity. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024

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

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