Columbus Day

noun

Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- 

1

: October 12 formerly observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in commemoration of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492

2

: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S.

Examples of Columbus Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Are local stores and businesses open on Columbus Day? —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2024

Meanwhile, Harris’s remarks on Columbus Day, framed as a celebration of indigenous peoples, have sparked discussions about the evolving narrative around this holiday and its implications for her political messaging. —Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Oct. 2024

Which retail and grocery stores are closed on Columbus Day? —Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Columbus Day

noun

Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- 

: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in honor of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492