# centimeter

/ˈsɛntəˌmitɝ/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/centimeter
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter. It is about the width of a fingernail.

For teachers: a unit of length in the metric system equal to one hundredth of a meter. It is the base unit in the centimetre-gram-second system of units.

## Examples

- The ruler is marked in centimeters.
- The tailor measured the length of the fabric in centimeters to ensure the dress would fit perfectly.
- While the meter is the standard unit, the centimeter remains essential for precision in fields like engineering and medicine where smaller increments are required.

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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.