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
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The streamer offers a bountiful supply of end times films, such as the zom-com Zombieland (2009) and the crowd pleaser Independence Day (1996). Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026 The 250th Independence Day Celebration voyage, which runs July 3-10, is timed to the International Parade of Sail. Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026 The center’s president, Richard Grenell, said a new venue was currently being sought as the building undergoes renovations, beginning around Independence Day. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026 In that vein, the studio notes that Prestige University has already used the roofscape to host lectures, games, and a flag hoisting on India's Independence Day. New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Independence Day

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Independence Day was in 1791

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Cite this Entry

“Independence Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Independence%20Day. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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

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