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

Smith rose to fame as a rapper and star of the ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and became one of the world’s biggest movie stars, doing films such as Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997). —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025

His additional film credits include Speed, Independence Day, Enemy of the State, and 2023's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Authorities warn the public every year of the danger of household firework operations around New Year’s Eve and Independence Day. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025

Summer Celebrations: Independence Day in 2025 lands on a Friday, giving families a chance to enjoy a three-day weekend for summer festivities. —David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

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