: 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.
Pratt, whose home was destroyed in the 2025 Pacific Palisades fire, also posted a thank-you message to Schiff and Scott around the same time on the social platform X. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026 John should know enough to bring his own towel, at the very least, if not a thank-you gift. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026 Some descendant of Van Haltren needs to send those guys a thank-you note for making their great-great-grandpa famous again. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 In one study, employees who received a simple thank-you from their manager felt more competent, more appreciated, and were more willing to help again. — Parul Somani, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 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 1 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

thank-you

noun
ˈthaŋ-ˌkyü
: a polite expression of one's gratitude
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