millennial

1 of 2

adjective

mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl How to pronounce millennial (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
According to my TikTok algorithm, millennial optimism is in the air, personified by Mamdani, his mega-watt smile, and his dream of making the city a more affordable place to live. Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025 The Sabrina the Teenage Witch star and millennial icon recently reflected on the highs and lows of her career — and one moment that encapsulated them both. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
It’s most commonly found in millennials, who are equally famous for a) partaking in co-ed sports leagues and b) batting away the creeping tendrils of mortality at every turn. Grace Perry, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026 According to the report, Gen Z and millennials choose brands that reflect their identity, with 70 percent of people saying emotional engagement drives loyalty. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for millennial

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of millennial was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Millennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/millennial. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

millennial

1 of 2 adjective
mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl How to pronounce millennial (audio)
: of or relating to a millennium

millennial

2 of 2 noun
: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on millennial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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