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

Jury selection was set to begin Monday for the trial of an Illinois man accused of opening fire at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago in 2022, turning the patriotic festivities into a chaotic bloodbath that left seven people dead and dozens more wounded. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

The memorial honors the victims of the July 4, 2022, Independence Day shooting. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025

The night will celebrate Independence Day with patriotic activations and a tribute to service members. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025

What to Know Lithuania's Independence Day is celebrated on February 16 each year. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

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