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
Despite centuries of research, there is no definitive answer.
—
Arushi Jacob, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Nebraska, meanwhile, has spent the last quarter-century chasing memories.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
—Simon Makin, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Above one entryway, a sword is lodged in the stone, said to have found its place there in the eighth century after being thrown more than 100 miles by Roland, the hero of the medieval chanson that bears his name.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for century
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Arushi Jacob, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Nebraska, meanwhile, has spent the last quarter-century chasing memories.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
—Simon Makin, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Above one entryway, a sword is lodged in the stone, said to have found its place there in the eighth century after being thrown more than 100 miles by Roland, the hero of the medieval chanson that bears his name.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for century
Cite this Entry
“Century.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/century. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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