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.
historically Black colleges and universities
Examples of HBCU in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Tuskegee Institute is believed to have the oldest continually active band at an HBCU, established in 1895.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
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
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Noun
Davis earned rave reviews for his performance at the HBCU combine earlier this year.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Tuskegee Institute is believed to have the oldest continually active band at an HBCU, established in 1895.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for HBCU
Cite this Entry
“HBCU.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HBCU. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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