gratitude

noun

grat·​i·​tude ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce gratitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
: the state of being grateful : thankfulness
expressed gratitude for their support

Examples of gratitude in a Sentence

Let me express my sincere gratitude for all your help. We remember with gratitude those who died defending our country.
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.
Betrayals so base they can’t be spoken to other people — but with this group, there are no secrets or judgments; only gratitude for the chance to come clean. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025 And yet, it’s somehow morphed into a good memory filled with gratitude for the opportunity. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 After the news of David del Rio’s firing was reported, Leah Lewis shared a message on Instagram Stories expressing her gratitude for the support. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Simmons was released from a hospital on Tuesday and has since extended his gratitude to fans concerned about his health. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gratitude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus grateful

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratitude was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gratitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratitude. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

gratitude

noun
grat·​i·​tude ˈgrat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce gratitude (audio)
: the state of being grateful
Etymology

Middle English gratitude "gratitude," derived from Latin gratitudo (same meaning), from gratus "thankful" — related to congratulate, grace

More from Merriam-Webster on gratitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!