fourth of july: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighPredominantly informal, journalistic, cultural, and historical.
Quick answer
What does “fourth of july” mean?
The anniversary of the day the United States Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4, 1776), celebrated as a U.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The anniversary of the day the United States Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4, 1776), celebrated as a U.S. national holiday.
Often refers not just to the date but to the associated celebration, including fireworks, barbecues, parades, and patriotic displays. Can be used as a cultural shorthand for American independence, patriotism, or summer celebrations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Exclusively used in the United States. In the UK, it is understood as a reference to a US holiday, not a domestic celebration.
Connotations
For Americans: patriotism, national pride, summer, celebration. For non-Americans (including British): a marker of American culture, sometimes with connotations of American exceptionalism or stereotypical American festivities.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in US English, especially in June and July. Very low frequency in UK English, used only when discussing American culture or events.
Grammar
How to Use “fourth of july” in a Sentence
celebrate + the Fourth of Julyon + the Fourth of Julyfor + the Fourth of JulyFourth of July + noun (e.g., party, spirit)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourth of july” in a Sentence
verb
British English
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American English
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adverb
British English
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American English
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adjective
British English
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American English
- We're in a Fourth of July mood.
- She wore a very Fourth of July outfit of red, white, and blue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'All offices will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday.'
Academic
'The rhetoric of Fourth of July speeches evolved throughout the 19th century.'
Everyday
'What are your plans for the Fourth of July?' 'We're having a barbecue.'
Technical
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Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fourth of july”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fourth of july”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourth of july”
- Writing 'Forth of July' (misspelling 'fourth').
- Using 'the 4th of July' in very formal writing where 'Independence Day' is more appropriate.
- Capitalising incorrectly: it should be 'Fourth of July' (proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday spoken American English, 'Fourth of July' is more common. 'Independence Day' is more formal and official.
No, it is not a holiday in the UK. It is only referenced in the context of American culture or news.
In formal writing, 'Fourth of July' (capitalised) is standard. '4th of July' is acceptable in informal contexts.
Yes, informally (e.g., 'Fourth of July festivities', 'a Fourth of July picnic').
The anniversary of the day the United States Declaration of Independence was adopted (July 4, 1776), celebrated as a U.
Fourth of july is usually predominantly informal, journalistic, cultural, and historical. in register.
Fourth of july: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːθ əv dʒʊˈlaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔrθ əv dʒʊˈlaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
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Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: FOURTH (4th) OF JULY - The date (July 4) is literally in the name.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NATION IS A PERSON BORN ON THIS DAY (birthday of the nation).
Practice
Quiz
What is another, more formal name for the 'Fourth of July' holiday?