# centenary

/ˈsɛntəˌnɛɹi/ (US) · /sɛntˈiːnəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/centenary
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. hundredth anniversary

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

the day or year that is exactly 100 years after a major event.

For teachers: 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.

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.

### 2. relating to 100 years

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

happening every 100 years or relating to a 100th anniversary.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- The school celebrated its centenary last year.
- The city held a large parade to mark the centenary of the local library opening.
- The centenary of the treaty was marked by a series of diplomatic conferences aimed at strengthening international cooperation.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.