Independence Day

noun

: a civil holiday for the celebration of the anniversary of the beginnings of national independence

specifically : July 4 observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. in commemoration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776

Examples of Independence Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These days include President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the weekend of Independence Day, among others. —Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026

Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, will host a Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade on July 2, two new galleries at the National Constitution Center, an expansive exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a World Cup match on Independence Day. —New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

But at least for this summer’s Independence Day, which marks the United States’ milestone 250th anniversary, the fireworks are here to stay. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026

Bill made his film debut back in the mid-1980s and is best known for roles in Independence Day and Spaceballs. —Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Independence Day

• euphorbiaceae
• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier

Kids Definition

Independence Day

noun

: a holiday celebrating the beginnings of a nation's independence

especially : July 4 observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. in honor of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776