What term does the United States Semiquincentennial use for a 250-year anniversary?

The United States Semiquincentennial uses the term “semiquincentennial” for a 250-year anniversary.

The word combines “semi,” meaning half, with “quincentennial,” relating to 500 years. Together, the parts describe half of five centuries, or 250 years. The term is used for the 2026 commemoration of American independence.

Several other names exist, including sestercentennial, bisesquicentennial, and quarter-millennium. However, semiquincentennial is the official and most prominent name associated with America’s 250th anniversary. It should not be confused with bicentennial, which means 200 years, or sesquicentennial, which means 150 years.

The United States Semiquincentennial commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776. Its main anniversary date is July 4, 2026.