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

Indonesian Independence Day Gula, an Indonesian dessert cafe in Doraville, will celebrate Indonesian Independence Day from Saturday to Monday. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

The Independence Day parade in the nation's capital was among several events that had to be canceled or postponed due to the extreme heat. — Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Nostrils burning like sparklers at an Independence Day picnic. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026

The eastern United States endured an unbearably hot early July that forced communities to cancel Independence Day celebrations and disrupted the country’s 250th anniversary. — Michael Phillis, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Independence Day

• euphorbiaceae
• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• 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