Word
centenary
Phoneticscen·te·nary
US/ˈsɛntəˌnɛɹi/
UK/sɛntˈiːnəɹi/
Definitions
01hundredth anniversary
n. the day or year that is exactly 100 years after a major event.
n. the hundredth anniversary of a significant event, or the celebration held to mark it.
“The city held a massive parade to celebrate the centenary of its founding.”
“The university is planning a series of high-profile lectures and exhibitions to mark the centenary of the discovery of the vaccine.”
British English
Usage
In British English, 'centenary' is the standard term, whereas American English almost exclusively uses 'centennial'.
Teaching tip
Learners should be aware that while both words are correct, 'centenary' sounds more formal or traditional to American ears.
Synonyms
02relating to 100 years
adj. happening every 100 years or relating to a 100th anniversary.
adj. pertaining to a period of one hundred years or a hundredth anniversary.
“The centenary celebrations lasted for an entire week in the town square.”
“The committee published a centenary volume documenting the architectural changes in the district over the last ten decades.”
British English · Formal
Usage
Usually placed before a noun.
Teaching tip
This adjective form is less common than the noun; it is typically found in official titles or formal event descriptions.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“In April, Ryder Cup organisers defended ticket prices for next year's centenary golf event between Europe and the United States in Ireland.” “But a home game against newly-promoted Frosinone seemed a perfect opportunity for new faces to establish themselves while marking the club’s centenary in style.” Word family
Related words
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/centenary