Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Jump To:
  • B.C.E.
    B.C.E.
    abbreviation
    Bachelor of Chemical Engineering.
  • BCE
    BCE
    abbreviation
    Before Common Era (used, esp by non-Christians, in numbering years bc )

B.C.E.

American  

abbreviation

  1. Bachelor of Chemical Engineering.

  2. Bachelor of Christian Education.

  3. Bachelor of Civil Engineering.

  4. before (the) Common Era.


BCE British  

abbreviation

  1. Before Common Era (used, esp by non-Christians, in numbering years bc )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

BCE Scientific  
  1. Abbreviation for before the Common Era.


B.C.E. Cultural  
  1. An abbreviation sometimes used in place of b.c. It means “before the Common Era.”


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The analyst says that BCE views the remaining capacity as effectively “put in the bank,” reflecting its own confidence in securing long-term agreements.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Find insight on Angi, Arm Holdings, BCE and more in the latest Market Talks covering technology, media and telecom.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Astrolabes were first developed in ancient Greece in the 2nd Century BCE and spread to the Islamic world by the 8th Century.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Radiocarbon testing of the cordage and caulk indicates the boat was built between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE.

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

The Lovers' Voyage In the spring of 47 BCE, Cleopatra and Caesar embarked on a cruise on the Nile.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "B.C.E." for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com