decennial

adjective

de·​cen·​ni·​al di-ˈse-nē-əl How to pronounce decennial (audio)
1
: consisting of or lasting for 10 years
2
: occurring or being done every 10 years
the decennial census
decennial noun
decennially adverb

Examples of decennial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since the 2020 decennial census, the Baltimore region’s population is estimated to have grown 0.4%. Shaela Foster, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025 On the other hand, a rural targeted employment area must have a population of 20,000 or fewer based on the most recent decennial census, must not border a municipality with more than 20,000 residents and must be outside a metropolitan statistical area. Sam Silverman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 This commitment dates back to the forging of the Constitution, which mandates the decennial census—our country’s foundational statistic. Sara Schapiro, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 The sprawling district, its shape marked by four arms jutting out to pick up more territory, was changed during the decennial redistricting process in 2021. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for decennial

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decennial was circa 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Decennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decennial. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

decennial

adjective
de·​cen·​ni·​al di-ˈsen-ē-əl How to pronounce decennial (audio)
1
: consisting of 10 years
2
: happening every 10 years
decennial census
decennially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on decennial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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