Definition of "nineties"

Our readers — and contributors — are apt to elect a good deal according to years. The seventies and eighties, we may suppose, are concerned for the large educational and cultural interests of their Alma Mater; the nineties are deep in the practical and business activities; the noughties are not naughty, but still young enough to sport a fantastic costume at reunion and let the college wag as it will; the oneties are the really wise as to what the college ought to be, especially on its athletic side, but as contributors modest.

1914, Amherst College, “Amherst graduates' quarterly”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name), volume 4, page 6

He and his clever staff of minor blackguards exploited to the full every weakness and caries in the London Society of the 'eighties, 'nineties, and 'oughts.

1919, Harry Hamilton Johnston, The Gay-Dombeys: A Novel, Macmillan, page 172

The line was doubled in the nineties and Hillfoot station added for suburbanites in 1900.

1959 October, G. H. Robin, “Railways to Helensburgh—a pre-electrification prospect”, in Trains Illustated, page 541

While PSB [public service broadcasting] has always been subject to multiple influences there is no question that the nineties was a period of massive structural transformation.

2001, Gay Hawkins, “The ABC and Rhetorics of Choice”, in Tony Bennett, David Carter, editors, Culture in Australia: Policies, Publics and Programs, Cambridge University Press, page 176

Nineties kids are honestly "fired up" about their environment. Students are aware and worried that their world is being destroyed, and teachers only need to tap into that hidden stream of interest.

1997, Catherine M. Scharle, “Environmental Children's Books Created by the Hearts and Hands of High School Students”, in The English Journal, volume 86, number 7, pages 86–90