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

But the talent and depth on what is likely the best U.S. women’s Olympic team in decades could help end a 20-year Olympic medal drought in women’s singles skating.

From Los Angeles Times

But Harp broke the news that the sales records were just a "pile of notes" that went back decades.

From BBC

That, in his reckoning, adds to his power and, after he’s dominated world politics for almost a decade, one must concede that he has a point.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sullivan, 58, has been associated with Tumbler Ridge for the decade or so Conuma has been investing in regional mines.

From The Wall Street Journal

All the companies being dissolved were set up more than a decade ago.

From BBC