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
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 July 2025
The brand is also continuing its partnership with the United Negro College Fund, supporting HBCU scholarships and fostering early talent development and recruitment opportunities.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 23 July 2025
Reynolds also understands the importance of HBCU players showcasing their skills in front of scouts.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Jamal George #11 of Alabama State University poses with the trophy following his team's victory in the HBCU Swingman Classic at Globe Life Field on July 12, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
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Noun
Through archival images and interviews with multigenerational homeowners, community historians, and HBCU alumni, the campaign’s documentary, A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs, offers a meditation on joy, memory, and the power to reshape a nation’s view of its own fabric.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 July 2025
The brand is also continuing its partnership with the United Negro College Fund, supporting HBCU scholarships and fostering early talent development and recruitment opportunities.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 23 July 2025
Reynolds also understands the importance of HBCU players showcasing their skills in front of scouts.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Jamal George #11 of Alabama State University poses with the trophy following his team's victory in the HBCU Swingman Classic at Globe Life Field on July 12, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.
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