Definition

Proper noun 1. A U.S. federal holiday: A legal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day celebrating national sovereignty and freedom. 2. A national celebration: More broadly, the term can refer to the anniversary of a nation's independence, though in the U.S. context, it is specifically the Fourth of July.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • We watch fireworks every Independence Day.
  • The parade on Independence Day is a long-standing tradition.
  • How will you celebrate Independence Day this year?

Advanced Usage

• "Independence Day weekend": Refers to the period encompassing the holiday, often including associated travel and events.
  • The highways are very busy during Independence Day weekend.
• Capitalization: As a proper noun and the name of a specific holiday, "Independence Day" is always capitalized.

Variants and Related Words

• The Fourth of July: A common synonym for the U.S. Independence Day.
  • Are you free on the Fourth of July?
• National Day: A general term for a holiday celebrating a nation's founding or independence, which "Independence Day" is a specific type of.

Synonyms

• The Fourth (informal): A shortened, casual reference.
  • See you at the barbecue on the Fourth!
• July Fourth: Another common way to name the date of the holiday.

Related Phrases

• Independence Day celebration: A specific event held on the holiday.
  • The town's Independence Day celebration includes a concert.
• Independence Day speech: A formal address often given by public figures on this day.

Related Idioms

• "A real Independence Day": Used informally to describe an event where one gains significant personal freedom or autonomy, drawing an analogy to the national holiday.
  • Moving into my own apartment felt like a real Independence Day.

Noun

1. a legal holiday in the United States