decade

[ dek-eyd; British also duh-keyd ]

noun

1. a period of ten years:

   the three decades from 1776 to 1806.

2. a period of ten years beginning with a year whose last digit is zero:

   the decade of the 1980s.

3. a group, set, or series of ten.

decade

/ dɪˈkeɪd; ˈdɛkeɪd /

noun

1. a period of ten consecutive years
2. a group or series of ten

Derived Forms

• deˈcadal, adjective

Other Words From

• half-decade noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decade¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin decad-, stem of decas, from Greek dekás “group of ten”; equivalent to deca- + -ade ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of decade¹

C15: from Old French, from Late Latin decad-, decas, from Greek dekas, from deka ten

Example Sentences

Various groups have been fighting the Assad regime in a protracted civil war for more than a decade.

From Salon

"For now, it is good to simply appreciate the truly historical collapse of one of the most brutal regimes of the past decades," he said.

From BBC

They have been through a tough period in the past decade.

From BBC

Lee’s supporters saw her as the most-qualified candidate due to her decades of experience in Congress.

From Los Angeles Times

Growers have also planted vast new pistachio orchards over the last decade, dramatically expanding production as they have sought to capitalize on the lucrative crop.

From Los Angeles Times