semicentennial

[ sem-ee-sen-ten-ee-uhl, sem-ahy- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a fiftieth anniversary.

noun

1. a fiftieth anniversary.
2. the celebration of this anniversary.

semicentennial

/ ˌsɛmɪsɛnˈtɛnɪəl /

adjective

1. prenominal of or relating to the 50th anniversary of some event
2. occurring once every 50 years

noun

1. a 50th anniversary

Word History and Origins

Origin of semicentennial¹

First recorded in 1855–60; semi- + centennial

Example Sentences

As the program celebrates its semicentennial, we asked readers to share their favorite P-Patch memories.

From Seattle Times

To mark the 50th anniversary of saving Pike Place Market, the Market’s traditional fall festival will transform into a semicentennial celebration of the landmark 1971 initiative.

From Seattle Times

This season, Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va., returns to the scene to celebrate the semicentennial of the Filene Center.

From Washington Post

Research reveals that the story long told about Hopkins as a Quaker and abolitionist, descended from men who freed their slaves, was adopted just after the university celebrated its semicentennial in 1926.

From Washington Post

But gun control proponents are uncomfortable with the idea of arms being present on campus, especially in legislation introduced on the semicentennial anniversary of the nation’s first school shooting.

From Washington Times