plural HBCUs
: a college or university in the U.S. established before 1964 for African American students : a historically Black college or university
the state's largest HBCU
Note: The term HBCU was created as a federal designation during the 1986 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded federal funding for colleges and universities.
historically Black colleges and universities
Examples of HBCU in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
Key programs like the HBCU Capital Financing Program, which offers renovation and construction-loan subsidies, are now left in limbo.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Howard University is the latest HBCU to receive another significant financial contribution from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Through its Show Your HBCU Spirit initiative, Diageo continued its investment in the next generation of changemakers, highlighting HBCU pride while supporting programs like Learning Skills for Life, a free bartending and mixology certification for underrepresented communities.
—Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
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Noun
The second initiative, HBCU Honors Media Futures Fellowship, was created by The HBCU Honors Foundation as a workforce development and mentorship program.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
Key programs like the HBCU Capital Financing Program, which offers renovation and construction-loan subsidies, are now left in limbo.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
Howard University is the latest HBCU to receive another significant financial contribution from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Through its Show Your HBCU Spirit initiative, Diageo continued its investment in the next generation of changemakers, highlighting HBCU pride while supporting programs like Learning Skills for Life, a free bartending and mixology certification for underrepresented communities.
—Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for HBCU
Cite this Entry
“HBCU.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HBCU. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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