: 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.
Those aren’t bad odds in my book, which makes the thank-you letter a thumbs-up response to being rejected. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026 At the World Cup in Russia in 2018, Japanese players famously cleaned the dressing room after a loss and left a thank-you note in Russian. Stephen Wade, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 As a special thank-you, Rewards Members who dine on Mother’s Day will receive $5 off their next purchase of $25 or more, valid May 11-31. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026 My route is a kind of thank-you to those of you who’ve been doing this work. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Thank-you.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thank-you. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

thank-you

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