thank

verb

ˈthaŋk 

thanked; thanking; thanks

transitive verb

1

: to express gratitude to

thanked her for the present

—used in the phrase thank you usually without a subject to politely express gratitude

Thank you for your consideration.

or sometimes to emphasize a preceding statement especially by implying that it is not subject to question

likes her job just fine, thank you

—used in such phrases as thank God, thank goodness usually without a subject to express gratitude or more often only the speaker's or writer's pleasure or satisfaction in something

2

: to hold responsible

had only himself to thank for his loss

thanker noun

Examples of thank in a Sentence

I want to thank everyone who helped today.

There's no need to thank me. Anyone would have done the same.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fifth-year Haskell coach Adam Strom, whose team fell to 5-14 this season, thanked KU for scheduling the game. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025

Snag them now while the prices are still delightfully low — both your feet and your holiday plans will thank you. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

In the caption, the reality star thanked Guerrero for always supporting her and being by her side and reminisced on beautiful moments in their friendship. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

The doctor tearfully thanked the crowd before walking into the courthouse where a jury would soon be selected. —Jessica Schreifels, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English thancian; akin to Old English thanc gratitude — more at thanks

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing thank

• have (someone or something) to thank for (something)
• thank God/goodness/heaven(s)/the Lord
• thank one's lucky stars
• thank-you
• thank-you-ma'am

Rhymes for thank

• banc
• bank
• blank
• clank
• crank
• dank
• drank
• flank
• franc
• hank
• lank
• plank

Kids Definition

thank

verb

ˈthaŋk 

1

: to express gratitude to

thanked her for the present

2

: to hold responsible

had only myself to thank for my loss