centuries old

USAGE SUMMARY

'centuries old' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has existed, or been in use, for a very long time. For example, "The forum building is centuries old, but its exterior still looks brand new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is two centuries old.

The New Yorker

It was centuries old.

The Guardian

That niche is centuries old, and enduring.

The New Yorker

Many moving toys are centuries old.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's about two centuries old.

Yale University

Not everything's centuries old here.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

That usage is centuries-old.

The New York Times

James Buchan on a centuries-old tradition.

The Guardian

The CIA has declassified centuries-old documents.

The Washington Post

I come from centuries-old agricultural stock.

The New York Times - Arts

Only women prepare it, using centuries-old artisanal methods.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using specific dates or historical periods to provide more precise context when describing something as "centuries old".

Common error

Avoid using "centuries old" as a vague descriptor. Provide specific details or examples to illustrate the impact or significance of something being that old.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "centuries old" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate great age. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure. This is demonstrated in the examples provided, such as "Many moving toys are centuries old."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "centuries old" effectively conveys that something has existed for hundreds of years, highlighting its enduring nature and historical significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase across various registers, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, ensure that the context is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "time-honored" or "long-established" can provide similar meanings, but "centuries old" is particularly useful when emphasizing the sheer length of time something has persisted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having existed for centuries

This alternative is a more verbose and literal rephrasing of the original phrase.

dating back centuries

This explicitly states the age and the starting point in time.

long-established

Focuses on the fact that something has been around for a significant amount of time.

with a multi-centennial history

Rephrases the concept of 'centuries old' using different vocabulary.

time-honored

Implies respect and tradition due to its age.

of ancient vintage

This uses a more sophisticated vocabulary to suggest something is old and valuable, like wine.

of great antiquity

Focuses on the historical and ancient nature of something.

venerable with age

This alternative emphasizes the respect and reverence associated with great age.

from bygone eras

This emphasizes a romantic or historical connection to the past.

antediluvian

This is a more dramatic and literary term for something very old.

FAQs

How can I use "centuries old" in a sentence?

You can use "centuries old" to describe objects, traditions, or institutions that have existed for multiple centuries. For example, "The cathedral is a "centuries old" structure, showcasing exquisite Gothic architecture".

What are some alternatives to saying "centuries old"?

You can use alternatives such as "time-honored", "long-established", or "dating back centuries" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more accurate to say "centuries old" or "centuries-old"?

"Centuries old" is generally used as a predicate adjective (e.g., "The tradition is centuries old"), while "centuries-old" functions as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., "a centuries-old tradition"). Both are grammatically correct, but their placement in a sentence differs.

What does it mean when something is described as "centuries old"?

When something is described as "centuries old", it means that it has existed for several centuries, typically more than two hundred years, highlighting its enduring nature and historical significance.