plural HBCUs
: a college or university in the U.S. established before 1964 for African American students : a historically Black college or university
the state's largest HBCU

Note: The term HBCU was created as a federal designation during the 1986 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded federal funding for colleges and universities.

HBCU

2 of 2

abbreviation

historically Black colleges and universities

Examples of HBCU in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Looking ahead, Jackson State is scheduled to face Grambling State on Oct. 25 in the first-ever Las Vegas HBCU Classic, set to take place at Allegiant Stadium. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Since Fisk University founded the first HBCU gymnastics program in 2022, Price has led the charge for the Bulldogs. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 According to a press statement from the HBCU, graduates from the university’s 14 schools and colleges this year will be among the largest graduating classes in the institution’s history to receive bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various disciplines. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Having previously coached at Jackson State before his Colorado move, Sanders remains vocally committed to uplifting HBCU programs. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for HBCU

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of HBCU was in 1980

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Cite this Entry

“HBCU.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HBCU. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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