Columbus Day

noun

Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- How to pronounce Columbus Day (audio)
1
: October 12 formerly observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in commemoration of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492
2
: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S.

Examples of Columbus Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While some shops and restaurants close after Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October), prime accommodations are easier to find than in the summer. Linnea Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026 Veterans Day and Columbus Day are not opportunities for coat or appliance sales. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026 On Columbus Day, Carlos called. Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026 The Social Reckoning will release in theaters over Columbus Day weekend next year. Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Columbus Day

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Columbus Day was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Columbus Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Columbus%20Day. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

Columbus Day

noun
Co·​lum·​bus Day kə-ˈləm-bəs- How to pronounce Columbus Day (audio)
: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in honor of the landing of Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492

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