Definitions:

1. Abbreviation for Before Common Era, or Before Current Era, or Before Christian Era: used when referring to a year before the birth of Jesus Christ when the Christian calendar starts counting years. adverb
   • Celtic remains were found dating from as early as 1200 B.C.E.
   • The Babylonian Empire was conquered by the Persian Empire in 539 B.C.E.

Synonyms:

• B.C.
• pre-common era