centenary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, celebratory, historical.
Quick answer
What does “centenary” mean?
The 100th anniversary of an event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The 100th anniversary of an event.
A period of one hundred years; a century. Often used in formal contexts to describe commemorative events or celebrations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Word is common in both, but 'centennial' is strongly preferred in American English for the noun. 'Centenary' is used more frequently in British English for both noun and adjective.
Connotations
In British English, has a formal, traditional, and often institutional connotation (e.g., university, museum events). In American English, may sound slightly British or old-fashioned.
Frequency
High frequency in UK formal writing; medium-low in US, where 'centennial' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “centenary” in a Sentence
celebrate the centenary of [NP]mark the centenary of [NP]the centenary of [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centenary” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum is planning a centenary exhibition.
- They published a centenary history of the club.
American English
- The centenary exhibition was noted for its historical depth. (Formal/archival use)
- A centenary edition of the book was released.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in institutional history or for commemorative branding (e.g., 'Our firm's centenary brochure').
Academic
Common in historical writing and anniversary publications (e.g., 'centenary studies').
Everyday
Rare; typically replaced by 'hundredth birthday/anniversary' (e.g., 'My grandma's hundredth birthday').
Technical
Used in historiography and archival contexts to denote precise 100-year periods.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centenary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centenary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centenary”
- Using 'centenary' to mean 'a period of 100 years' in general contexts (prefer 'century').
- Using the adjective form in American English where 'centennial' is expected (e.g., 'the centenary parade' vs US 'centennial parade').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In meaning, they are synonyms. In usage, 'centenary' is standard in British English for noun and adjective. 'Centennial' is standard in American English as a noun; as an adjective, both are used but 'centennial' is more common.
No, 'centenary' is only a noun or adjective. You 'celebrate', 'mark', or 'observe' a centenary.
No. It specifically refers to the 100th anniversary. For a 200th anniversary, use 'bicentenary'/'bicentennial'.
The stress is typically on the second syllable: sen-TEE-nuh-ree (/senˈtiːn(ə)ri/). In American English, it's often SEN-tuh-ner-ee (/ˈsen.t̬ə.ner.i/).
The 100th anniversary of an event.
Centenary is usually formal, celebratory, historical. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reach its centenary”
- “A centenary passes”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CENTury + annivENARY = CENTENARY.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LANDMARK JOURNEY (reaching a milestone, marking a point).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a more common American English equivalent for the noun 'centenary'?