Eeuwen

Eeuwen is the plural form of the Dutch noun eeuw, which denotes a period of one hundred years. The singular eeuw equals 100 years, and the plural eeuwen is used to refer to multiple such periods, i.e., to centuries. It appears in historical writing, literature, and everyday language in phrases such as twee eeuwen geleden, meaning two centuries ago.

Etymology and form: The word eeuw originates in Dutch and is part of the Germanic language family. The plural form eeuwen follows the standard Dutch pluralization pattern for nouns ending in -uw and is spelled with double e, reflecting the long vowel in the stem. In compounds and phrases, the word can combine with numbers and time indicators to express long spans.

Usage and nuance: In modern Dutch, eeuwen is primarily used in more formal or literary contexts and in historical discussion. In everyday speech, speakers often use phrases like honderden jaren (hundreds of years) unless a precise centuries-count is intended. The term also occurs in adjectives and adverbs such as eeuwenlang (for centuries) and honderden jaren later, highlighting extended durations. For centuries-old objects or phenomena, eeuwenoud or eeuwenoude is used (centuries-old).

Related forms: Common compounds include eeuwenlang (for centuries), eeuwenoud (centuries-old), and eeuwenlang geleden in historical narration. The word remains a useful unit for framing long horizons in time and in describing historical timelines, architectural ages, or cultural epochs.