centenary
noun
cen·te·na·ry
sen-ˈte-nə-rē 
ˈsen-tə-ˌner-ē
ˈsen-tə-ˌner-ē
-ˌne-rē
especially British sen-ˈtē-nə-rē
plural centenaries
centenary
adjective
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A centenary, like its cousin centennial, is an anniversary. Thus, the year 2013 may mark the centenary of a town's founding, and the year-long calendar of public events that the town sponsors for the occasion—that is, the celebration of the anniversary—can also be called a centenary. Individuals have their own centenaries, which usually celebrate their births; thus, Gerald Ford's centenary will occur in 2013, and John Kennedy's in 2017. And if you live long enough to be a centenarian, you'll be around to join the celebrations.
Examples of centenary in a Sentence
This year marks the centenary of the building's construction.
Recent Examples on the Web
The October 16 release date falls shortly after William Greaves’ centenary on October 8.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 June 2026
Leo arrives in Barcelona in time to celebrate the June 10 centenary of the death of the great Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí.
—ABC News, 6 June 2026
The visually stunning tome, timed to Marilyn’s centenary, recounts the friendship and creative collaboration between Josh’s grandfather Bruno Bernard, a Jewish German immigrant who became a legendary showbiz photographer, and Hollywood’s most iconic movie star.
—Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
In honor of the late Queen Elizabeth's centenary, celebrating what would have been the queen's 100th birthday, King Charles is offering a glimpse into the royal family's private residences.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 28 May 2026
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Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 June 2026
Leo arrives in Barcelona in time to celebrate the June 10 centenary of the death of the great Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí.
—ABC News, 6 June 2026
The visually stunning tome, timed to Marilyn’s centenary, recounts the friendship and creative collaboration between Josh’s grandfather Bruno Bernard, a Jewish German immigrant who became a legendary showbiz photographer, and Hollywood’s most iconic movie star.
—Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
In honor of the late Queen Elizabeth's centenary, celebrating what would have been the queen's 100th birthday, King Charles is offering a glimpse into the royal family's private residences.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for centenary
Cite this Entry
“Centenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centenary. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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