Columbus Day

noun

Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- 

1

: October 12 formerly observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in commemoration of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492

2

: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S.

Examples of Columbus Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In recent years, some people, institutions and government entities have displaced Columbus Day with the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. —Brian Witte, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026

Is commemorating Columbus Day offensive? —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

In recent years, some people, institutions and government entities have displaced Columbus Day with recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. —ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026

In 2017, the Austin City Council voted in favor of renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Columbus Day

• andromache
• bioassay
• cabriolet
• cercariae
• communique
• companionway
• compositae
• decussate
• examinee
• fabaceae
• glyphosate
• microarray

Kids Definition

Columbus Day

noun

Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- 

: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in honor of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492