Meaning & Definition of word "Century"

Century

/ˈsɛnʧəri/

noun:

  • 1. A period of one hundred years.
    • Example: The 20th century was marked by significant technological advancements.
  • 2. A period of time designated by a specific event or characteristic, often related to a specific range of years.
    • Example: The century from 1500 to 1600 is often referred to as the 16th century.
  • 3. In some contexts, specifically referring to a period of 100 years counted from the year of Christ's birth.
    • Example: The first century AD witnessed the rise of early Christianity.
  • 4. A group of one hundred, especially in historical contexts.
    • Example: 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 of century

Meaning: A large span of time suggesting a major event or change.

Example Sentence: That idea is a century in the making.

Meaning: Referring to someone or something that feels outdated or old-fashioned.

Example Sentence: That style is so century!