What does bicentennial mean?
A bicentennial is the two-hundredth anniversary of an important event, most often the founding of a nation, city, institution, or organization. The term also functions as an adjective, as in 'bicentennial celebration' or 'bicentennial park,' describing anything connected with that milestone. Bicentennials are typically marked by public festivities, ceremonies, exhibitions, and commemorative publications or coins, giving the word a distinctly celebratory and civic tone. It belongs to a family of Latin-derived terms built on the root 'centennial' (from Latin 'centum,' meaning hundred), alongside related forms like sesquicentennial for 150 years and tricentennial for 300. In American English 'bicentennial' is standard, while British usage often favors 'bicentenary.' The word gained particular prominence during the United States Bicentennial of 1976, when nationwide festivities commemorated the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For writers and speakers, it offers a precise, dignified way to refer to a rare and momentous anniversary.
The two-hundredth anniversary of a significant event, especially the founding of a country, city, or institution.
"Preparations for the town's bicentennial began nearly two years in advance."
Relating to or commemorating a period of two hundred years; marking a two-hundredth anniversary.
"The mint issued a special bicentennial coin set featuring colonial designs."
Frequently used attributively before nouns such as 'celebration,' 'exhibition,' or 'year.'
The plural refers to multiple two-hundredth anniversaries, typically those of different events or recurring commemorative activities.
"Museums across the region staged exhibitions tied to the various state bicentennials."
When America threw itself a 200th birthday party in 1976, it minted quarter-dollar coins with a drummer boy on the back — and some are still found in pocket change today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bicentennial
Bicentennial derives from Latin roots: the prefix 'bi-' meaning 'two' combined with 'centennial,' from 'centum' (hundred) via the Late Latin 'centenarius' (containing a hundred). The formation parallels other number-plus-anniversary compounds such as tercentennial and sesquicentennial. The English word emerged in the 19th century as large-scale public commemorations of national and institutional anniversaries became common, and its cognates include century, centurion, and percent, all tracing back to the same Latin numeral.
How bicentennial is actually used
In British English, 'bicentenary' is often preferred over 'bicentennial' for the noun. The adjective use is common in formal and commemorative contexts. The word carries a festive, ceremonial connotation and is typically applied to institutions, nations, cities, and significant historical events rather than personal birthdays.
Easily confused with bicentennial
A centennial marks a hundredth anniversary (100 years), while a bicentennial marks a two-hundredth anniversary (200 years).
A sesquicentennial marks a one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary, whereas a bicentennial marks two hundred years.