Columbus Day

American  

[kuh-luhm-buhs dey] / kəˈlʌm bəs ˌdeɪ /

noun

1. the second Monday in October, a U.S. legal holiday observed in many states in honor of the landing of Columbus in the West Indies on October 12, 1492: Columbus is traditionally considered the discoverer of America, though he was not the first European to reach the New World.

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Columbus Day British  

noun

1. Oct 12, a legal holiday in most states of the US: the date of Columbus' landing in the West Indies (Caribbean) in 1492

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Etymology

Origin of Columbus Day

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

It’s Columbus Day; equities markets will trade but Treasurys won’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

The federal holiday, first recognized in 1937, remains Columbus Day under U.S. law.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2025

Today, Maine and New Mexico are among a handful of states that refer to Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the native inhabitants of the land.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

Originally known just as Columbus Day, the holiday, which has its roots going as far back as the 18th Century, honors the Italian explorer who arrived in America in 1492.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 10, 2025

The fair prompted President Harrison to designate October 12 a national holiday, Columbus Day, which today serves to anchor a few thousand parades and a three-day weekend.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson