centimeter

noun

cen·​ti·​me·​ter ˈsen-tə-ˌmē-tər How to pronounce centimeter (audio) ˈsän- How to pronounce centimeter (audio)
: a unit of length equal to 1/100 meter see Metric System Table

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In the metric system, which is used in most countries of the world, each basic unit of measure of length, area, or volume can be divided into centimeters. A meter consists of 100 centimeters, a square meter consists of 10,000 square centimeters, and a cubic meter consists of 1,000,000 cubic centimeters.

Examples of centimeter 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 drops slid about four centimeters, picked up a charge, rolled off the edge, and then fell five millimeters onto a copper plate coated with a 60-nanometer film of Teflon, which is one of the most chemically resistant coatings on the market today. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 In groups, these aquatic worms, roughly a few-centimeters long, weave themselves into tangled structures that resemble bundles of thread or noodles in a bowl, but are alive. — K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The National Park Service says the area gets less than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain per year on average. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Specifically, corals grow one to two centimeters per year by secreting layers of calcium carbonate. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for centimeter

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centimeter was in 1794

Phrases Containing centimeter

Rhymes for centimeter

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Browse Nearby Words

centime
centimeter
centimeter dyne
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

centimeter

noun
cen·​ti·​me·​ter ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər How to pronounce centimeter (audio) ˈsänt- How to pronounce centimeter (audio)
: a unit of length equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ meter see metric system

Medical Definition

centimeter

noun
cen·​ti·​me·​ter
variants or chiefly British centimetre
ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər How to pronounce centimeter (audio) ˈsänt- How to pronounce centimeter (audio)
: a unit of length equal to 1/100 meter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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