Definition

Proper noun A civic holiday observed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the state of Maine, United States, commemorating the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. The holiday is observed on the third Monday in April.

Usage

"Patriot's Day" is used as the official name of the holiday. It is always capitalized.

Examples - Schools and many businesses are closed in Massachusetts on Patriot's Day. - The Boston Marathon is traditionally held on Patriot's Day. - We learned about the history of Patriot's Day and the "shot heard round the world."

Advanced Usage

• The holiday is often associated with historical reenactments of the battles and the famous midnight ride of Paul Revere.
• While primarily a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, its historical significance is recognized throughout the United States.

Variants and Related Words

• Patriots' Day: An alternate, less common spelling using the plural possessive.
• Patriot: (noun) A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it.

Synonyms

• Commemoration day
• Civic holiday (specific to this event)

Related Phrases

• "Shot heard round the world": A phrase from Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem about the Battles of Lexington and Concord, strongly associated with Patriot's Day.
• Boston Marathon: The world's oldest annual marathon, inextricably linked to the modern observance of Patriot's Day.

Noun

1. the 3rd Monday in April; Massachusetts and Maine celebrate the battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775