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.
After the player availabilities concluded, Braden Mullen, a first-year player at Charlotte after four seasons at Dartmouth, expressed his gratitude to the fan base. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025 After about 35 minutes on stage, the Buffalo rapper gained new fans, satisfied the Griselda enthusiasts, and wrapped his set with gratitude for Erykah Badu, who later arrived (possibly a few minutes off-schedule but right on time). Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Expressing gratitude to these kids for their acts of heroism is not enough. The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025 Farrell said that because of his mother’s upbringing, he and his three siblings were raised with a stance of gratitude for their surroundings. Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 17 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 21 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!