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.
The Associated Press KYIV, Ukraine -- European leaders joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday for official celebrations marking Ukraine’s Independence Day as Russia pushes on with its 4-year-old invasion of the country. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 On Monday, Ukraine marks its Independence Day, recognizing the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 European leaders join President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv for Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, underscoring continent-wide anxiety as Russia’s four-year invasion grinds on with little frontline movement and intensifying aerial attacks. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 On the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day, Field of Vision is launching a new documentary on Ukraine’s valiant fight to maintain its freedom. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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