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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This year’s Independence Day — 250 years from the nation’s founding — granted the chance for Idaho to flaunt its wares. — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026 Children’s Mercy treated more than a dozen children and teens for firework injuries this Independence Day week, according to the hospital. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 An additional adjustment was made for the Independence Day holiday. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 July 2026 And finally, the popular sci-fi epic is settling in for what's hopefully a long stay on Prime Video that started on July 3, just in time for the long Independence Day weekend in the United States. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 7 July 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

Rhymes for Independence Day

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Browse Nearby Words

Independence
Independence Day
independency
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Cite this Entry

“Independence Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Independence%20Day. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on Independence Day

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Independence Day

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