Columbus Day

noun

Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- How to pronounce Columbus Day (audio)
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 Approximately 29 states and Washington, D.C. do not celebrate Columbus Day. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024 Indigenous Peoples’ Day, previously known as Columbus Day, is observed in the U.S. on the second Monday of October. Fernanda Figueroa, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2024 Known as Columbus Day in the United States, the day is referred to in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries as Día de la Raza, honoring the countries and peoples conquered by Spain and other European nations. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 14 Sep. 2024 What other federal holidays are left in 2024? After Labor Day, there are still several other federal holidays to come this year: Monday, Oct. 14 - Columbus Day. Monday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day. Thursday, Nov. 28 - Thanksgiving Day. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Columbus Day 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Columbus Day.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Columbus Day was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near Columbus Day

Cite this Entry

“Columbus Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Columbus%20Day. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

Columbus Day

noun
Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- How to pronounce Columbus Day (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on Columbus Day

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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