decade

American  

[dek-eyd, duh-keyd] / ˈdɛk eɪd, dəˈkeɪd /

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.

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decade British  

/ dɪˈkeɪd, ˈdɛkeɪd /

noun

1. a period of ten consecutive years

2. a group or series of ten

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Other Word Forms

• decadal adjective
• half-decade noun

Etymology

Origin of decade

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

Example Sentences

Almost a decade later, the Times looks to be relapsing into bad form.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

The five-time champion from Norway had dominated the classical game for nearly a decade, before electing not to defend his title.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

The ratio’s average level over the past decade is 23.5%, slightly lower than the March figure.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

This Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

In the meantime the clock was ticking as we drew closer and closer to the end of the decade in which President Kennedy had promised we would put a man on the moon.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson