centenarian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Low FrequencyNeutral to Formal. Used in news, demographic studies, and celebratory contexts.
Quick answer
What does “centenarian” mean?
A person who is one hundred years old or older.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is one hundred years old or older.
A person who has reached or surpassed the age of 100. Also used adjectivally to describe someone/something of that age.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow regional patterns.
Connotations
Same connotations of celebration, rarity, and longevity in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar low-to-medium frequency in both varieties, increasing in demographic/ageing society discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “centenarian” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] + is/are + centenarian(s)The + centenarian + verbAdjective + centenarian (e.g., spry, local)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centenarian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The local press came to centenarian him on his milestone birthday.
- She is set to centenarian next month.
American English
- The town gathered to centenarian her with a parade.
- He will centenarian in June.
adverb
British English
- He lived centenarianly, a testament to his healthy habits.
- The tradition is practiced centenarianly in the village.
American English
- She celebrated centenarianly with a large family gathering.
- The clock has ticked centenarianly for generations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in insurance, pension planning, and healthcare sectors discussing demographics.
Academic
Used in gerontology, sociology, and demographic research papers.
Everyday
Used in news stories about birthdays or family members reaching 100.
Technical
Specific term in demography for age cohort classification.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centenarian”
- Misspelling as 'centarian' or 'centenarion'.
- Using it for someone in their 90s (that's a nonagenarian).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it is also commonly used as an adjective (e.g., 'centenarian population').
A centenarian is 100+ years old. A nonagenarian is someone in their 90s (90-99 years old).
While 'centenarian' covers all ages 100+, 'super-centenarian' is a specific demographic term for someone aged 110 or older.
In British English: /ˌsɛntɪˈnɛːrɪən/ (sen-ti-NAIR-ee-an). In American English: /ˌsɛntəˈnɛriən/ (sen-tuh-NAIR-ee-an).
A person who is one hundred years old or older.
Centenarian is usually neutral to formal. used in news, demographic studies, and celebratory contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Join the centenarian club”
- “Living to be a centenarian”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CENT' (hundred, like a century) + 'ARIAN' (like a person, as in librarian). A 'centenarian' is a 'hundred-person'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LONGEVITY IS A DISTANCE / A MILESTONE (reaching the 100-year mark).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'super-centenarian'?