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

Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations on September 15 and 16 usually include fireworks and parades in the street. —Meagan Drillinger, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2025

The future of Rancho Bernardo’s Spirit of the Fourth festivities hinges on whether new volunteers step forward for the five-decade-long Independence Day celebration. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025

That’s because the Minions and Gru have ruled the Independence Day frame for quite some time, most recently with Despicable Me 4 minting a $230M global opening last summer. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025

The only blackout dates for this promotion are Independence Day weekend, from July 5 to July 7. —Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

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