era
Pluraleras
- 1A long period of time, often in history, that is known for certain events or ways of life.
Like a chapter in a history book: one part of a much longer story.
The first cars started a new era in the way people traveled.
We live in an era of fast change because of new technology.
UsageSay a new era or the end of an era.
Similarage, epoch, period, time
Note
- 2
- 3A very long part of Earth's history, lasting tens of millions of years or more.
Like one huge chapter in the very long story of the Earth.
Dinosaurs lived during the Mesozoic era.
Scientists divide Earth's history into eras that each last many millions of years.
Note
Less common meaning
- 4A way of giving years numbers, counting from one chosen event or moment.
The old kingdom had its own era, with year one being the year its first king was crowned.
Different countries have used different eras to number their years.
Practice
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Origin
It comes from a Late Latin word, aera.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- English era comes from Late Latin aera. en.wiktionary.org