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

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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.
An examination showed that Campbell was almost 4 centimeters [1.6 inches] dilated but nurses had trouble finding the baby's heart rate. — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025 With his announcement, Sáez added two photos of the blue dragons, which are typically about four centimeters in length. — Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Additionally, there are no scratches on the display or marks visible on the body when holding it 30 centimeters away from you. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Edwards broke his own world record twice on that day, jumping a gargantuan 18 meters and 29 centimeters (slightly over 60 feet) with his second attempt. — George Ramsay, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025 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

Phrases Containing centimeter

Rhymes for centimeter

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Browse Nearby Words

centime
centimeter
centimeter dyne
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Cite this Entry

“Centimeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centimeter. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

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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
ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər How to pronounce centimeter (audio) ˈsänt- How to pronounce centimeter (audio)
: a unit of length equal to ¹/₁₀₀ meter

More from Merriam-Webster on centimeter

Nglish: Translation of centimeter for Spanish Speakers

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