: a polite expression of one's gratitude

Examples of thank-you in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This was her version of a hug, her special way to say thank-you to the owner for helping her down from the window. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 Expanding means staying connected, circling back with a thank-you note, or looping them into the deal announcement. Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 June 2025 Treat management as a role, not a reward Leadership should not be a thank-you for past performance. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Last December, Martins hosted a holiday party for brand partners at the Fasano Restaurant on Park Avenue, as a way to say thank-you for their support. David Moin, Footwear News, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for thank-you

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase thank you used in expressing gratitude

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thank-you was in 1792

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thank-you.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thank-you. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

thank-you

noun
ˈthaŋ-ˌkyü
: a polite expression of one's gratitude
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!