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
Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025
In addition to the street unveiling, the weekend featured the ESSENCE HBCU Classic at Harvard Stadium, which welcomed more than 12,000 attendees.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
The four-day event co-founded by Campus Rise, which also created the HBCU NY Classic, will feature a pep rally, tailgate, battle of the bands and a step show with the goal of creating at atmosphere similar to an HBCU homecoming.
—Frank Holland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
Now in his fourth season, Flowers has even loftier goals entering the season opener against Morehouse College at Harvard Stadium during The Essence HBCU Classic.
—Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for HBCU
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Noun
Starting in 11th grade, students at HBCU Early College Prep will take online college courses taught by DSU professors, according to the school website.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025
In addition to the street unveiling, the weekend featured the ESSENCE HBCU Classic at Harvard Stadium, which welcomed more than 12,000 attendees.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
The four-day event co-founded by Campus Rise, which also created the HBCU NY Classic, will feature a pep rally, tailgate, battle of the bands and a step show with the goal of creating at atmosphere similar to an HBCU homecoming.
—Frank Holland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
Now in his fourth season, Flowers has even loftier goals entering the season opener against Morehouse College at Harvard Stadium during The Essence HBCU Classic.
—Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.
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