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
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.
The exit came earlier today and as reports about Tirico’s illness drew concern from viewers Saturday afternoon, the veteran newscaster took to X with a statement about what happened, thanking colleagues for their support. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 May 2025 Community advocate Chrome Louis thanked those who offered support. Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 May 2025 Overall, the interaction remains mostly cordial, with Abrego Garcia smiling at thanking the officers before he is allowed to drive off. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025 The truth of the matter is, every day is a good day to get a facial—and your pores will thank you, too. Micaela English, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for thank

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thank was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thank. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

thank

verb
1
: to express gratitude to
thanked her for the present
2
: to hold responsible
had only myself to thank for my loss

More from Merriam-Webster on thank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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