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

Up to three quarters of all of Britain's rural hedgehogs have been lost since the turn of the century, according to a 2022 report.

From BBC ● Jun. 21, 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

Since the turn of the century, the U.S. military has dominated the skies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 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

Scientists had been trying to grow living cells since before the turn of the century, but their samples had always died.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot