centenary

noun

cen·​te·​na·​ry sen-ˈte-nə-rē How to pronounce centenary (audio) ˈsen-tə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce centenary (audio)
-ˌne-rē
especially British sen-ˈtē-nə-rē
plural centenaries
: centennial
centenary adjective

Did you know?

A centenary, like its cousin centennial, is an anniversary. Thus, the year 2013 may mark the centenary of a town's founding, and the year-long calendar of public events that the town sponsors for the occasion—that is, the celebration of the anniversary—can also be called a centenary. Individuals have their own centenaries, which usually celebrate their births; thus, Gerald Ford's centenary will occur in 2013, and John Kennedy's in 2017. And if you live long enough to be a centenarian, you'll be around to join the celebrations.

Examples of centenary in a Sentence

This year marks the centenary of the building's construction.
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.
Gyllenhaal will be in town with her short film Flesh Impact, created to commemorate the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, which will be shown as a Special Screening. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Fiorentina’s centenary was spoiled by another hefty loss as it was humiliated 3-0 at home by Frosinone. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 In November 2005, Harald and his wife, Sonja Haraldsen, invited 550 Norwegians to a ball to celebrate the centenary of the country's independence from Sweden. — Terje Solsvik, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The Paris Grand Mosque, an iconic cultural landmark located in the heart of the city, is celebrating its centenary. — Shannon Fogg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for centenary

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin centenarium, from Latin centenarius of a hundred, from centeni one hundred each, from centum hundred — more at hundred

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centenary was in 1661

Rhymes for centenary

See All Rhymes for centenary

Browse Nearby Words

centenarianism
centenary
centenier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Centenary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centenary. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

centenary

adjective or noun
cen·​ten·​a·​ry
sen-ˈten-ə-rē, 
ˈsent-ᵊn-ˌer-ē
: centennial
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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