era
EER-ruh
Era (noun) means a period of time marked out by particular events, developments, or characteristics. Example: “The internet ushered in a new era of communication.”
noun
1
A period of time marked out by particular events, developments, or characteristics.
"The internet ushered in a new era of communication."
"She grew up during the era of black-and-white television."
"Steam trains belong to an era when travel was much slower than it is now."
How to use era
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA distinct stretch of history, often defined by something that made it different from what came before.
Common pairings
new era
end of an era
golden era
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Word forms
- Plural
- eras
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The internet ushered in a new _____ of communication.
Etymology
From Late Latin aera, originally denoting a starting point from which years were counted.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for era
See all rhymes for era →Frequently asked questions
What does “era” mean?
The word “era” means a period of time marked out by particular events, developments, or characteristics. In plain terms, a distinct stretch of history, often defined by something that made it different from what came before.
How do you pronounce “era”?
“Era” is pronounced EER-ruh (/ˈɛɹ.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “era” in a sentence?
Here is “era” used in a sentence: “The internet ushered in a new era of communication.”
What is another word for “era”?
Words with a similar meaning to “era” include age, epoch, period, cycle, day and generation.
What part of speech is “era”?
“Era” is a noun.
Where does the word “era” come from?
The word “era” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin aera, originally denoting a starting point from which years were counted.
Is “era” a common word?
“Era” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an era and an epoch?
Both mean a stretch of time with a distinct character. Era is the everyday word for a period defined by events or features, like the Victorian era. Epoch is more formal and often marks a turning point that begins a new period, and it is also a precise unit in geology.
What is the difference between an era and a period?
The words are close and often interchangeable. Period is the general term for any span of time, long or short. Era usually suggests a longer stretch with a strong, defining identity — shaped by particular events, people, or developments — such as the space era or the industrial era.
What is an example of an era?
Common examples include the Victorian era, the digital era, and the Cold War era. Each names a stretch of time defined by distinctive events or features. People also speak loosely of the end of an era when a long-standing situation, career, or trend comes to a close.
What are the types of era?
Eras are usually named by their defining trait: historical eras like the Elizabethan era, technological ones such as the digital or information era, and cultural or political eras like the post-war era. In geology, era is also a formal division of time, such as the Mesozoic era.
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