: 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.
Be sure to send Uncle Pete a thank-you card for giving up potential kicking points not once, but TWICE. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025 Getting into the habit of sending thank-you notes can, literally, pay off. Angela Haupt, Time, 5 Nov. 2025 Many pointed out that the niece did take the time to write a thank-you note. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 The two lucky raffle winners each receive a bottle of wine — plus the accompanying thank-you note — to savor after a job well done. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 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 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

thank-you

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