millennial

1 of 2

adjective

mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl How to pronounce millennial (audio)
1
: of or relating to a millennium
This geopolitical specification of the millennium—this identification of the New Jerusalem with a particular place and people—was rare, even in a time of millennial fervor.—Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
2
: of, relating to , or belonging to the generation of people born in the 1980s or 1990s : of or relating to millennials
More than 60% of millennial voters support the birth control mandate.—Katie McDonough

millennial

2 of 2

noun

: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s
—usually plural

Examples of millennial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The film feels like a satire of millennial aesthetics. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 June 2026 Gone are the days of matchy-matchy sets, sterile millennial greige, and stark black-and-white color palettes. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
Noun
For gen z and younger millennials, the shift is not really about giving up alcohol. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Like a lot of millennials, Gonzalez taught herself how to make candles by watching YouTube videos. — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for millennial

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of millennial was in 1660

Phrases Containing millennial

Rhymes for millennial

See All Rhymes for millennial

Browse Nearby Words

mill end
millennial
Millennial Church
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Millennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/millennial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

millennial

1 of 2 adjective
mil·​len·​ni·​al mə-ˈle-nē-əl How to pronounce millennial (audio)
: of or relating to a millennium

millennial

2 of 2 noun
: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s
—usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on millennial

Nglish: Translation of millennial for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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