bicentennial

noun

bi·​cen·​ten·​ni·​al ˌbī-(ˌ)sen-ˈte-nē-əl How to pronounce bicentennial (audio)
: a 200th anniversary or its celebration
bicentennial adjective

Examples of bicentennial 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.
The Avon Historical Society was founded in 1974 and Wilson said several small towns at the time were spurred on by the bicentennial at that time to preserve their local history. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 The nation’s bicentennial, in 1976, also arrived at a fraught moment, just two years after the resignation of President Richard Nixon. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 And fifty years ago, Meet the Press marked America’s bicentennial, on July 4, 1976, with a special edition of the broadcast, asking governors to reflect on the nation’s sense of purpose at its 200th birthday. — NBC news, 5 July 2026 The bicentennial was an obvious time to take stock of things — and to speculate what life might be like 50 years later. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bicentennial

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bicentennial was in 1848

Rhymes for bicentennial

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Browse Nearby Words

bicentenary
bicentennial
bicentric
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

bicentennial

adjective
bi·​cen·​ten·​ni·​al ˌbī-(ˌ)sen-ˈten-ē-əl How to pronounce bicentennial (audio)
: relating to a 200th anniversary
bicentennial noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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