: 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.
Groceries, to-dos, important dates, thank-you notes to write, packing lists before trips—they’re all there. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026 One mommy sent flowers, then didn’t acknowledge her thank-you. Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2026 People are sending brutal, draconian thank-you cards? Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026 Throughout January, blood donors at all Stanford Blood Centers, including the South Bay Donor Center in Campbell, will receive a free Warriors sweatshirt as a thank-you gift. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

thank-you

noun
ˈthaŋ-ˌkyü
: a polite expression of one's gratitude
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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