plural HBCUs
: a college or university in the U.S. established before 1964 for African American students : a historically Black college or university
the state's largest HBCU

Note: The term HBCU was created as a federal designation during the 1986 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded federal funding for colleges and universities.

HBCU

2 of 2

abbreviation

historically Black colleges and universities

Examples of HBCU in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Speaking to the coach was enough to persuade Hunter to follow Sanders to Jackson State, a HBCU and FCS school with far less football pedigree than Florida State, and then to Boulder and the Buffs. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024 This season dove into her relationships, academic struggles, and the joys of HBCU culture. Okla Jones, Essence, 14 Dec. 2024 Proceeds go towards educational programs and resources that promote physical, mental and emotional health and support HBCU athletics, social justice initiatives and diversity and representation advocacy. Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024 Red Lobster Named Title Sponsor of ESPN Events’ Band of The Year Red Lobster, through its partnership with Purveyor Sports, will serve as the title sponsor of the ESPN Events 2024 Band of the Year HBCU national band championship. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for HBCU 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of HBCU was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near HBCU

Cite this Entry

“HBCU.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HBCU. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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