The 200th anniversary of an event, or anything relating to such an anniversary — chiefly used in British English where American English prefers bicentennial.
Bicentenary events were held across the country throughout the year.
The company commissioned a bicentenary history of its founding.
They released a documentary to honour the bicentenary of the battle.
The town celebrated the bicentenary of its founding with a week-long festival.
The museum mounted a bicentenary exhibition of the composer's manuscripts.
Similar words
bicentennial
commemorative
double centenary
bicentennial
200th anniversary
200th-anniversary
Meanings
A 200th anniversary
noun
history
formal
The 200th anniversary of a significant event, or the celebration held to mark it.
Examples
The town celebrated the bicentenary of its founding with a week-long festival.
The university marked the bicentenary of its establishment in 1823.
We are planning events for the bicentenary of the poet's birth.
The bicentenary was commemorated with a special coin issue.
They released a documentary to honour the bicentenary of the battle.
Similar words
bicentennial
200th anniversary
double centenary
Relating to a 200th anniversary
adjective
history
formal
Marking, celebrating, or connected with a 200th anniversary.
Examples
The museum mounted a bicentenary exhibition of the composer's manuscripts.
A bicentenary edition of the novel was published with new illustrations.
Bicentenary events were held across the country throughout the year.
The company commissioned a bicentenary history of its founding.
She gave the keynote address at the bicentenary conference.
Similar words
bicentennial
200th-anniversary
commemorative
Etymology
Formed in English from bi- (Latin 'two') and centenary (from Latin centenarius, from centum 'hundred'). The word follows the same pattern as centenary (100 years) and tercentenary (300 years). Bicentenary is first recorded in British English around 1840; the American form bicentennial followed in 1843.
FAQ
What does bicentenary mean?
Bicentenary means the 200th anniversary of an event, or the celebrations marking it. For example, 'the bicentenary of the university's founding' means it was established exactly 200 years ago.
What is the difference between bicentenary and bicentennial?
They mean the same thing. Bicentenary is the standard British English word; bicentennial is the American English form. Both refer to a 200th anniversary.
What is the word for a 100th anniversary?
A 100th anniversary is a centenary (British English) or centennial (American English). A 300th anniversary is a tercentenary.
Can bicentenary be used as an adjective?
Yes. Bicentenary can precede a noun: 'bicentenary celebrations', 'bicentenary edition', 'bicentenary concert'.
What is the plural of bicentenary?
The plural is bicentenaries.
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