millennium

/mɪˈleniəm/

Origin

From Latin mille (thousand) + annus (year)

Definition

1. A period of 1,000 years, especially when calculated from the traditional birth of Christ
2. A period of great happiness, peace, and prosperity
3. A significant turning point in history marked by dramatic change

Forms

• Plural: millennia, millenniums
• Adjective: millennial

Example Sentences

1. "The third millennium CE began on January 1, 2001."
2. "Many believed the new millennium would bring revolutionary changes to society."
3. "Ancient civilizations often spoke of a golden millennium of peace."

Synonyms

• chiliad
• thousand years
• age
• era

Related Words

• millennial (n): a person reaching adulthood in the early 21st century
• millennialism: belief in a future millennium of peace and prosperity

Memory Tips

1. Think "mill-" (thousand) + "-ennium" (year period)
2. Remember Y2K concerns at the turn of the millennium (1999-2000)
3. Associate with common phrase "once in a millennium" meaning extremely rare

Usage Notes

• Often capitalized when referring specifically to the 2000s (the Millennium)
• Commonly used in science fiction and religious contexts
• Frequently appears in discussions about long-term historical periods