Independence Day

noun

1. July 4, a U.S. holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Independence Day

noun

1. See Fourth of July
   the official name for the Fourth of July

Independence Day

1. The primary national holiday in the United States, celebrated every July 4; the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence . Customary festivities include picnics; parades; band concerts; decorations in red, white, and blue; and nighttime fireworks displays.

Example Sentences

We will stay masked, get vaccinated, and in July we will celebrate Independence Day with our neighbors.

From Washington Post

She told the San Francisco Chronicle that she pushed him to include American vintages every July 4, America’s Independence Day.

From Washington Post

Must-Try LGBTQ EventsInvasion of the PinesThe Invasion of the Pines has been an Independence Day tradition on Fire Island Pines since 1976.

From No Straight News

Since Independence Day parades are usually organized by communities, there’s also an opportunity in them for location-based marketing.

From Search Engine Watch

Instead, many people will be staying in for Independence Day this time around.

From Search Engine Watch

I remember the last Independence Day we spent in Israel, in 1998.

From The Daily Beast

More About Independence Day

What is Independence Day?

Independence Day is a U.S. holiday in commemoration of July 4, 1776, the day on which the original 13 colonies of the United States declared independence from British rule with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day is popularly called (the) Fourth of July. It’s also called July Fourth or simply the Fourth. It’s a patriotic holiday that’s often celebrated with parades, family gatherings, fireworks, and displays of red, white, and blue decorations, especially the American flag.

The name Independence Day is also used for other countries’ celebrations of their independence. For example, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) on September 16.

When is Independence Day?

Independence Day is always on July 4. However, it is a U.S. federal holiday, meaning that when July 4 falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the Friday immediately before, and when July 4 falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the Monday immediately after.

In 2022, Independence Day will be observed on Monday, July 4.

More information and context on Independence Day

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain. Two days later, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted, and this date, July 4, is the one that’s celebrated as Independence Day.

The fighting in what became known as the American Revolution had started earlier, in 1775, and lasted until 1781, with the war officially ending in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris.

The Fourth of July has been celebrated since the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, in 1777, and the Independence Day tradition of fireworks is believed to date back to this first celebration. However, Independence Day didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870.

Because Independence Day is a federal holiday, many people do not work that day. Along with firework displays, popular ways to celebrate include parades, concerts, sporting events, and cookouts.

However, some Americans object to celebrating the holiday, especially due to the fact that the Declaration of Independence did not result in freedom and equality for African Americans, Native Americans, and other people of color. Relatedly, Juneteenth (the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.) is sometimes referred to as Black Independence Day, especially by Black Americans.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing Independence Day?

• Fourth of July
• Declaration of Independence
• United States of America
• England
• Britain
• colony
• freedom
• patriotism
• holiday
• fireworks

How is Independence Day discussed in real life?

In the U.S., Independence Day is popularly called Fourth of July. It’s a patriotic holiday that’s often celebrated in patriotic ways, such as parades. However, it’s not celebrated by all Americans, especially those who believe that the U.S. has a history of injustice that’s contradictory to the holiday’s focus on freedom. The name Independence Day is also used for other countries’ holidays.

Happy Fourth of July from the White House Historical Association!

Here, fireworks burst above the North Portico on July 4, 1966. Fireworks are a cherished Independence Day tradition, and the National Mall provides a fitting centerpiece for these celebrations across the country. pic.twitter.com/wOO524B6dr

— White House History (@WhiteHouseHstry) July 4, 2019

ICYMI: #ArlingtonTX's #4thofJuly festivities will include a fireworks 🎆 display on Saturday, July 3 near @GlobeLifeField followed by the Arlington Independence Day Parade in @DTarlington on Monday, July 5. 🇺🇸 @dallasnews https://t.co/5JU1uqBDcj

— City of Arlington (@CityOfArlington) June 9, 2021

I have no issue with People who still celebrate the 4th. Just know the history of this day and what was going on outside of the textbooks. Before you hate on someone who won’t celebrate “independence day”.

— Mandy🌻 (@mandyt_21) July 4, 2020

The Dr. José Rizal monument at the Luneta Park in Manila is illuminated with the colors of the Philippine flag on Friday night as part of the 123rd Independence Day commemoration. pic.twitter.com/c195V2GYOI

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) June 11, 2021

Try using Independence Day!

True or False?

Independence Day commemorates the end of the American Revolution.