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
Sounds of an ancient underground city Turkey is home to the underground city Derinkuyu, originally carved out inside soft volcanic rock around the 8th century BCE.
—
ArsTechnica, 31 May 2025
Best known for its 16th century Portuguese fort, Galle is building a marina for yachts of up to 984 feet, with an anchorage for larger vessels.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
The court has sided against Trump in other cases, including slowing his efforts to swiftly deport Venezuelans accused of being gang members to a prison in El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act.
—Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and lifespans are increasing, healthcare has advanced and more jobs rely on mental endurance, rather than raw physical labor.
—Chad Willardson, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for century
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ArsTechnica, 31 May 2025
Best known for its 16th century Portuguese fort, Galle is building a marina for yachts of up to 984 feet, with an anchorage for larger vessels.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
The court has sided against Trump in other cases, including slowing his efforts to swiftly deport Venezuelans accused of being gang members to a prison in El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act.
—Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and lifespans are increasing, healthcare has advanced and more jobs rely on mental endurance, rather than raw physical labor.
—Chad Willardson, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for century
Cite this Entry
“Century.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/century. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
century
noun
cen·tu·ry
ˈsench-(ə-)rē
plural centuries
1
: a group of 100 things
2
: a period of 100 years
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