centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
ˈsen-tə-ˌmē-tər 
ˈsän-
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
However, hydrogen, which is the most abundant element in the universe, emits a characteristic radio signal at a frequency of 1,420 megahertz, corresponding to a wavelength of about 8.3 inches (21 centimeters).
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 21 July 2025
According to a study published in the 2018 Aesthetic Surgery Journal, researchers found that the average diameter of a male areola is about 26.6 millimeters, or 2.7 centimeters.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 July 2025
Most ball chairs are available in sizes ranging from 45 to 75 centimeters and come with corresponding sizing charts for optimal usage.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
At least 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain poured down overnight in central Kerr County, causing flash flooding of the Guadalupe River and leading to desperate pleas for information about the missing.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 July 2025
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.
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 21 July 2025
According to a study published in the 2018 Aesthetic Surgery Journal, researchers found that the average diameter of a male areola is about 26.6 millimeters, or 2.7 centimeters.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 July 2025
Most ball chairs are available in sizes ranging from 45 to 75 centimeters and come with corresponding sizing charts for optimal usage.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
At least 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain poured down overnight in central Kerr County, causing flash flooding of the Guadalupe River and leading to desperate pleas for information about the missing.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for centimeter
Cite this Entry
“Centimeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centimeter. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
centimeter
noun
cen·ti·me·ter
ˈsent-ə-ˌmēt-ər
ˈsänt-
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share