- Definition
- Definition
-
Did you know?
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Phrases Containing
- Related Articles
- Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
ˈsen-tə-ˌmē-tər
ˈsän-
: a unit of length equal to ¹/₁₀₀ meter see Metric System Table
Did you know?
In the metric system, which is used in most countries of the world, each basic unit of measure of length, area, or volume can be divided into centimeters. A meter consists of 100 centimeters, a square meter consists of 10,000 square centimeters, and a cubic meter consists of 1,000,000 cubic centimeters.
Examples of centimeter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The rules are very specific, often detailing the exact position of certain controls down the centimeter.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2024
Although only bits of her braincase were recovered, the fragments suggested a brain volume of 388 cubic centimeters.
—Donald C. Johanson, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
Heavy rainfall was expected Sunday ahead of the hurricane and likely will then combine with Milton’s rainfall to flood waterways and streets in Florida, where forecasters said up to a foot (30 centimeters) of rain could fall in places through Wednesday night.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2024
For hepatic adenomas that are smaller than 5 centimeters (cm) and linked to oral contraceptive use, healthcare providers usually take a careful approach.
—Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for centimeter
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1794, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing centimeter
Dictionary Entries Near centimeter
Cite this Entry
“Centimeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centimeter. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər
ˈsänt-
: a unit of length equal to ¹⁄₁₀₀ meter see metric system
Medical Definition
centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
variants
or chiefly British centimetre
: a unit of length equal to ¹/₁₀₀ meter
More from Merriam-Webster on centimeter
Nglish: Translation of centimeter for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of centimeter for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share