Black Friday

noun

US
: the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving Day that is considered by retailers to mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season

Note: The origin of Black Friday in this sense is not known for certain. The day was allegedly so named either in reference to traffic congestion in central cities on the day after Thanksgiving or to the supposed fact that retailers' accounts shifted from red to black with the beginning of the shopping season.

Examples of Black Friday 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.
Shop other pet deals at Wayfair's 2025 Black Friday in July sale Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 24 July 2025 The Wayfair Black Friday in July sale began today and runs through July 28, offering steep markdowns on thousands of items ideal for a mid-year home refresh. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025 Goose Island has announced this year’s variants of its iconic Bourbon County Stout, all of which will be available for sale on Black Friday, which this year falls on November 28. Don Tse, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 The new soda, which comes in original and cherry vanilla flavors, will first be sold online starting on Black Friday in November before rolling out to major retailers in February 2026. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for Black Friday

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Black Friday was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Black Friday.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Black%20Friday. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

Black Friday

noun
: the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving that is considered by some retailers to mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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