decennial
Americanadjective
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of or for ten years.
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occurring every ten years.
noun
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a decennial anniversary.
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its celebration.
adjective
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lasting for ten years
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occurring every ten years
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of decennial
1650–60; < Latin decenni ( um ) a period of ten years ( decenn ( is ) decennary + -ium -ium ) + -al 1
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.
Typically, states create new congressional maps every 10 years, in line with the national decennial census.
From Slate ● May 14, 2026
So far, India has redrawn parliamentary seats three times based on the decennial census in 1951, 1961 and 1971.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
The decennial has brought a wave of collective nostalgia for matte makeup, skinny jeans and Rihanna songs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026
Some states have taken serious steps to do that by enacting laws that require commissions to redraw the lines after the decennial census, or by using computer models.
From Salon ● Aug. 3, 2025
In 70 years the decennial rate of increase declined from about 30 per cent to 22 per cent.
From A Review of Hoffman's Race Traits and Tendencies of the American Negro The American Negro Academy. Occasional Papers No. 1 by Miller, Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
