: a polite expression of one's gratitude

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Someone around here should write a thank-you note to the Heat for putting Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter courtside in Game 4. Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, 24 May 2023 All the evidence and her patient’s story were sealed and locked away, just feet from a wall of thank-you cards from patients and sticky notes of encouragement among nurses. Katheryn Houghton, Anchorage Daily News, 14 May 2023 Risher was Amazon’s 37th employee, and his contributions are memorialized on the site with a thank-you note from Bezos, which can still be seen today more than two decades after Risher left the company. Catherine Thorbecke, CNN, 12 May 2023 Pinned to the wall is a note from his mother that quotes his favorite essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and a thank-you card from a fan. Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 8 May 2023 These actions include researching the company (67%), maintaining a respectable online presence (51%), and sending a thank-you note after an interview (49%). Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2023 Fans should think of the remix as a thank-you for their support of the song – which was quickly repaid by listeners with a Hot 100 chart-topper. Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2023 Skincare products in the welcome or thank-you bags for the wedding party. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2023 Seeing their smiles and getting their hearty thank-you hugs are priceless. Mabel Wong, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thank-you.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near thank-you

Cite this Entry

“Thank-you.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thank-you. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

thank-you

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

More from Merriam-Webster on thank-you

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