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

Victim Nyron Shaw’s father said the driver who mowed his son down last year in Ocean Hill a day before Independence Day should face the maximum penalty for allegedly driving twice the speed limit and heartlessly taking off, leaving his son to die. —Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026

Some Independence Day plans may have changed with the latest news from Starlight Theatre. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026

Film credits includeThe Beverly Hillbillies (1993), Independence Day (1996), and Rumor Has It (2005). —Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026

During that time, Philadelphia will host six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and several watch parties; the MLB All-Star game, and Independence Day celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. —Joe Brandt, CBS News, 3 Apr. 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