centuries-old

UK: ˈsen.tʃər.iz ˈəʊld | US: ˈsen.tʃər.iz ˈoʊld

Definition

  1. adj. having existed for many centuries; very ancient or long-established.

Structure
centuries <plural of century, from Latin *centuria* (group of 100)>old <aged, from Old English *eald*>
Etymology

The word combines "centuries," derived from Latin centuria (originally referring to a division of 100 soldiers or years), with "old," from Old English eald, meaning aged or long-standing. The hyphenated form emerged in English to describe objects, traditions, or institutions that have endured for hundreds of years, emphasizing historical continuity.

Examples

  1. The centuries-old castle still stands proudly on the hill.

  2. This centuries-old recipe has been passed down through generations.

  3. The manuscript is a centuries-old treasure of the library.

  4. They celebrated the festival with centuries-old rituals.

  5. The tree is a centuries-old witness to the town’s history.