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
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Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2025
As of Wednesday, nearly 11,500 people, including current students, alumni, faculty and HBCU supporters nationwide, signed a petition opposing Johnson’s appointment, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
—Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Along with the township scholarships, Jones said four $1,000 grants are available to students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and either went on the annual tour of HBCU schools or the township’s HBCU Experience.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Giovanni Williams, a linebacker from Miles College, a Division II HBCU in Alabama, was one of the non-roster players hoping to land a contract with the Jets during rookie minicamp.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
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Noun
The prospect of the DeSantis administration wresting more control over the HBCU plays into longstanding anxieties that the state could cut into some of the university’s signature programs — or even merge the school with FSU, an idea lawmakers contemplated in the 1960s.
—Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2025
As of Wednesday, nearly 11,500 people, including current students, alumni, faculty and HBCU supporters nationwide, signed a petition opposing Johnson’s appointment, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
—Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Along with the township scholarships, Jones said four $1,000 grants are available to students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and either went on the annual tour of HBCU schools or the township’s HBCU Experience.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Giovanni Williams, a linebacker from Miles College, a Division II HBCU in Alabama, was one of the non-roster players hoping to land a contract with the Jets during rookie minicamp.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 May 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 24 May. 2025.
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