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.
Set to begin at the end of the year, the new restoration will be released in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the French New Wave, the upcoming 70th anniversary of the film in 2028 and, in the same year, the centenary of Moreau’s birth. — Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 The centenary — and the current tie craze — has also injected confidence in the brand’s business prospects. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 The sale during Art Basel Paris also coincides with the centenary of Monet’s death and a slew of exhibitions honoring him. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026 Rooms To celebrate the turning of its centenary, a major renovation of all 198 bedrooms followed a three-year closure. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

centenary

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