Century

/ˈsɛnʧəri/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A period of one hundred years.
The 20th century was marked by significant technological advancements.
A period of time designated by a specific event or characteristic, often related to a specific range of years.
The century from 1500 to 1600 is often referred to as the 16th century.
In some contexts, specifically referring to a period of 100 years counted from the year of Christ's birth.
The first century AD witnessed the rise of early Christianity.
A group of one hundred, especially in historical contexts.
The Romans established a century as a military unit consisting of around one hundred soldiers.

Etymology

From Latin 'centuria', which means 'a hundred', from 'centum' meaning 'hundred'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

turn of the century
The time around the transition from one century to the next.
century egg
A preserved egg that is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine.
century-old
Something that is a hundred years old.

Related Words

millennium
A period of 1,000 years.
decade
A period of 10 years.
era
A long and distinct period of history.

Slang Meanings

A large span of time suggesting a major event or change.
That idea is a century in the making.
Referring to someone or something that feels outdated or old-fashioned.
That style is so century!