centimeter

noun

cen·​ti·​me·​ter ˈsen-tə-ˌmē-tər How to pronounce centimeter (audio) ˈsän- How to pronounce centimeter (audio)
: 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
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.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centimeter was in 1794

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 How to pronounce centimeter (audio) ˈsänt- How to pronounce centimeter (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!