What term names the United States’ 250th anniversary, the national milestone celebrated by America250?

The United States’ 250th anniversary is called the Semiquincentennial.

The word combines “semi-,” meaning half, with “quincentennial,” relating to 500 years. A 250th anniversary is therefore half of a 500-year anniversary, giving the celebration its formal name. America250 is the public-facing branding used for the nationwide commemoration.

The milestone commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s adoption in 1776. Official festivities and related programs span the country, with events connected to American history, civic participation, military service, culture, and national symbols.

The term is easy to confuse with “sesquicentennial,” which means a 150th anniversary, or “bicentennial,” which means a 200th anniversary. The United States’ 150th anniversary was marked by the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, while the 200th anniversary was celebrated in 1976.