millennium

[ mi-len-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural mil·len·ni·ums, mil·len·ni·a [mi-, len, -ee-, uh].

1. a period of 1,000 years:

   This great stone monument has seen it all—hardship, plenty, and everything in between—over a millennium and a half.

2. the year 2000, or the turn of the 21st century:

   In 1995, approaching the millennium, the city covered nearly 67,000 acres and had a population of over 1 million.

3. the millennium, Christianity. the period of 1,000 years during which Christ will reign on earth, as an interpretation of a vision set forth by the apostle John in the book of Revelation. Also the Millennium.
4. a period of general righteousness and happiness, especially in the indefinite future.
5. a thousandth anniversary.

millennium

/ mɪˈlɛnɪəm /

noun

1. the millennium
   Christianity the period of a thousand years of Christ's awaited reign upon earth
2. a period or cycle of one thousand years
3. a time of peace and happiness, esp in the distant future
4. a thousandth anniversary

millennium

1. A period of a thousand years foretold in the Book of Revelation . During the millennium, those who have been faithful to Jesus and who have not worshiped the Antichrist will reign with Jesus over the Earth . According to the Book of Revelation, the millennium will precede the final battle for control of the universe; Judgment Day will come afterward.

Notes

Figuratively, a “millennium” is a period of great justice and happiness on Earth.

The meaning of the Bible 's (see also Bible ) words about the millennium has been much debated by Christians (see also Christian ). Prophecies about the millennium are part of the basic doctrine of several denominations, including Jehovah's Witnesses .

Derived Forms

• milˈlennialist, noun
• milˈlennial, adjective
• milˈlennially, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of millennium¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from New Latin, equivalent to Latin mill(e) “a thousand” + -ennium, extracted from biennium, triennium, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of millennium¹

C17: from New Latin, from Latin mille thousand + annus year; for form, compare quadrennium

Example Sentences

Deliberately removing CMI with the intention of fostering copyright violations is a direct violation of the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which governs intellectual property rights of producers of digital content.

From Los Angeles Times

Growing up at the show’s initial peak during the turn of the millennium, Timmy followed me through school corridors, classrooms and playgrounds - no matter my friends, sociability or relatively good grades.

From BBC

Plans to build a 550-capacity "immersive" theatre in Cardiff Bay have been announced by the Wales Millennium Centre.

From BBC

After the turn of the millennium, a new generation of diners rediscovered offal as high-end restaurants and chefs offered "nose to tail" dining.

From Salon

The biggest cost saving measured was a mere 2.9%, and, given the price of the paints in question, homeowners would potentially have to wait centuries or even up to a millennium – at 2019 prices – before they would recoup the decorating fees in terms of reduced heating costs.

From BBC