centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
ˈsen-tə-ˌmē-tər 
ˈsän-
ˈsän-
: a unit of length equal to 1/100 meter see Metric System Table
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In the metric system, which is used in most countries of the world, each basic unit of measure of length, area, or volume can be divided into centimeters. A meter consists of 100 centimeters, a square meter consists of 10,000 square centimeters, and a cubic meter consists of 1,000,000 cubic centimeters.
Examples of centimeter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When powered by concentrated sunlight via a triple-junction solar cell, the device produced hydrogen at a record rate of 519 micromoles per hour per square centimeter.
—
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
The little satellites use a multiple of 10- by 10- by 10-centimeter units—which allows manufacturers to develop their batteries, solar panels, computers, and other parts as off-the-shelf components.
—Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
Some areas in western and upstate New York saw a foot or more of snow Monday and their totals could reach up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) this week, forecasters said.
—Holly Ramer, Fortune, 30 Dec. 2025
Their biggest predatory threat is the Tully Grunter, a larger native Australian fish up to 35 centimeters long, that scientists believe was introduced to the river by recreational fishers wanting a decent catch.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
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Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
The little satellites use a multiple of 10- by 10- by 10-centimeter units—which allows manufacturers to develop their batteries, solar panels, computers, and other parts as off-the-shelf components.
—Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
Some areas in western and upstate New York saw a foot or more of snow Monday and their totals could reach up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) this week, forecasters said.
—Holly Ramer, Fortune, 30 Dec. 2025
Their biggest predatory threat is the Tully Grunter, a larger native Australian fish up to 35 centimeters long, that scientists believe was introduced to the river by recreational fishers wanting a decent catch.
—Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for centimeter
Cite this Entry
“Centimeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centimeter. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər
ˈsänt-
ˈsänt-
: a unit of length equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ meter see metric system
Medical Definition
centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
variants
or chiefly British centimetre
: a unit of length equal to ¹/₁₀₀ meter
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