Juneteenth

noun

June·​teenth ˌjün-ˈtēn(t)th 

: June 19 observed as a legal holiday in the United States in commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S.

Note: The federal name for this holiday according to the United States Code is Juneteenth National Independence Day. It is also called Black Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.

Examples of Juneteenth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The longtime congresswoman from Texas helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024

And predominantly white organizations have begun to recognize Juneteenth and Black History Month. —Debbie Elliott, NPR, 26 Nov. 2024

Lamar also hosted a huge concert in Los Angeles to celebrate Juneteenth, packed with Los Angeles-native celebrities, which was viewed as a victory lap for Lamar following the Drake feud. —Conor Murray, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

In 2020, Basis signaled its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, making a corporation donation to the Black Lives Matter movement and designating Juneteenth as an official company holiday. —Jenny Hellwig, Chicago Tribune, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

blend of June and nineteenth

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Juneteenth

• Juneteenth Independence Day
• Juneteenth National Independence Day

Kids Definition

Juneteenth

noun

June·​teenth

ˌjün-ˈtēn(t)th

: June 19 observed as a legal holiday in the U.S. in commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S.