thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ 

also

ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi- 

1

a

Thanksgiving : thanksgiving day

b

: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness

2

: the act of giving thanks

3

: a prayer expressing gratitude

Examples of thanksgiving in a Sentence

They sang a hymn of thanksgiving.

Recent Examples on the Web

When July 4, 1827 arrived, Black churches gathered in prayer and thanksgiving as legal slavery came to an end in New York. — Tunisia Morrison, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026

In Nigerian churches, fans hoisted aloft replica trophies at thanksgiving prayer services. — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 29 May 2026

But once Thanksgiving rolls around, the gauntlet returns. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026

In the letters that Wilson collected, there are countless appeals to God, prayers for help and understanding and prayers of thanksgiving for strength and mercy. — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 9 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for thanksgiving

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• giving
• living
• sieving
• unforgiving

Kids Definition

thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgiv-iŋ 

1

: the act of giving thanks

2

: a prayer expressing gratitude

3

capitalized : thanksgiving day