turn of the century

Idioms  

1. The beginning or end of a particular century, as in That idiom dates from the turn of the century, that is to say, about 1900. This expression was first recorded in 1926.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

turn of the century

Officials say some 1,800 localities have already vanished since the turn of the century -- ghost villages that have become nothing more than decaying buildings and a name on a map.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

Waves of xenophobia had swept the nation at the turn of the century following a massive surge of immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.

From Salon ● May 26, 2026

They are only the fifth trio to reach a ton since the turn of the century.

From BBC ● May 6, 2026

In all, 16 members have died in office this decade, more than in any three consecutive Congresses since the turn of the century.

From Slate ● Apr. 24, 2026

In one important respect the outlook is more encouraging than the situation regarding infectious disease at the turn of the century.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson