thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ 

also

ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi- 

1

a

capitalized : 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

The same day, members of the royal family — including King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Princess Madeleine — attended a thanksgiving service for the new princess. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025

The thanksgiving service in the Abbey began with a two-minute silence, which was also observed across the country, to remember Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945. —Reuters, CNN Money, 8 May 2025

Their last public appearance as a couple was at the service of thanksgiving honoring King Constantine at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in February 2024, which several members of the British royal family also attended. —Janine Henni, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025

So were the more solemn thanksgiving ceremonies, and George Washington held one after the Revolutionary War. —Michael Morris, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024

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