Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A legal holiday in Canada: "Dominion Day" is the former name of a Canadian federal holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the formation of the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The parade was held to celebrate Dominion Day. (The parade was held to celebrate the national holiday.)
  • On Dominion Day in 1967, Canada marked its centennial. (On that national holiday in 1967, Canada celebrated its 100th anniversary.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical context: The term "Dominion Day" was the official name of the holiday from 1879 until 1982. Its use reflects the historical status of Canada as a dominion within the British Empire.
  • Official documents prior to 1982 refer to the July 1st holiday as Dominion Day.

Variants and Related Words

• Canada Day: (Proper noun) The contemporary and official name for the national holiday celebrated on July 1st, adopted in 1982.
  • We celebrate Canada Day with fireworks.
• National holiday: (Noun) A general term for a public holiday celebrated across a nation.

Synonyms

• Canada Day (current official name)
• July First (informal reference to the date)

Notes on Meaning

• Specific meaning: "Dominion Day" refers specifically to the historical commemoration of the enactment of the British North America Act, 1867, which united three colonies into a single Dominion called Canada.
• Name change: It is important to note that while "Dominion Day" is still understood, the official name was changed to "Canada Day" by an Act of Parliament. The term "Dominion Day" is now primarily used in historical contexts.

Noun

1. a legal holiday in Canada commemorating receiving Dominion status in 1867