: an instance or gesture of approval or encouragement

Examples of thumbs-up 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.
Come for the special-effects bonanza, stay for a most epic thumbs-up. 19. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025 Bigge gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was transported out of the stadium on a medical cart. The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Strapped to a gurney with a blue-rimmed mask covering his entire face, Hunt gave no final words but appeared to give a thumbs-up sign and a peace sign with his fingers before the gas started flowing. Arkansas Online, 11 June 2025 Kruger then concluded her post with a snap of Reedus displaying a thumbs-up while holding onto a stroller, which appeared to have their daughter sitting inside with a coat covering her face. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for thumbs-up

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thumbs-up was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbs-up. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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