bicentenary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyFormal
Quick answer
What does “bicentenary” mean?
The two-hundredth anniversary of an event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The two-hundredth anniversary of an event.
A celebration, commemoration, or related event marking a period of two hundred years since a significant occurrence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'bicentenary' is the standard term. In American English, 'bicentennial' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Connotations
Both carry the same formal, commemorative connotation. 'Bicentennial' (US) is more integrated into popular culture (e.g., Bicentennial Minute).
Frequency
'Bicentenary' is rare in US English. 'Bicentennial' is occasionally used in UK English but 'bicentenary' remains more common.
Grammar
How to Use “bicentenary” in a Sentence
[mark/celebrate] + the bicentenary + [of + event]the bicentenary + [falls/occurs/takes place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bicentenary” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The nation will bicentenary its founding next year. (RARE/ARCHAIC)
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adjective
British English
- The bicentenary celebrations will last a full week.
- A special bicentenary stamp was issued.
American English
- The bicentennial celebrations will last a full week.
- A special bicentennial stamp was issued.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used in corporate history or foundation anniversaries.
Academic
Common in historical texts, publications, and conference themes related to anniversaries.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used in news reports about national or institutional celebrations.
Technical
Used in historiography and museology when planning commemorative events.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bicentenary”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bicentenary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bicentenary”
- Confusing 'bicentenary' (noun/adj) with 'bicentennial' (more common US form).
- Using it for periods other than 200 years (e.g., for 150 years).
- Misspelling as 'bicentenial' or 'bicentenuary'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They mean the same thing—a 200th anniversary. 'Bicentenary' is standard in British English, while 'bicentennial' is standard in American English.
Yes, it can function as a noun ("the bicentenary") or an adjective ("bicentenary celebrations").
No. A bicentenary marks 200 years. A tercentenary (or tricentennial) marks 300 years.
By definition, once every 200 years for a specific event. It is a rare occurrence in any institution's or person's timeline.
The two-hundredth anniversary of an event.
Bicentenary is usually formal in register.
Bicentenary: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.senˈtiː.nər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.senˈten.ə.ri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bicentenary is a rare event.”
- “To reach one's bicentenary.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Bi' (two) + 'cent' (hundred) + 'enary' (related to years) = a two-hundred-year event.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE JOURNEY / ANNIVERSARIES ARE LANDMARKS ON THAT JOURNEY.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the preferred synonym for 'bicentenary' in American English?