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

The company said its Free Cone Day tradition began in 1979 as a way to give back to the community and thank fans for their support. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024

During the April 13 game, Asia, Nasir and Podolak dropped the ceremonial first puck and met players on the team — and the mom had another chance to thank her hero in person for his kind act. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024

On Sunday, the Desperate Housewives actor shared a video thanking fans for their support, days after being eliminated from Danse Avec Les Stars, the French version of Dancing With the Stars. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2024

Patel also confirmed his departure on social media, and Musk responded by thanking both executives. —Edward Ludlow, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024

Well, thank you so much for being here with us today, DJ. —Mará Rose Williams, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2024

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked the U.S. and other countries for their assistance. —Tia Goldenberg, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2024

With every swing of the club and every piece of apparel adorned with their iconic logo, the impact of their work will be thanked by hundreds, if not thousands of young Black boys and girls for generations to come. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 Apr. 2024

Rumors began to circulate that Nelson Mandela was planning a trip to Cuba to thank Fidel Castro for his support during his imprisonment in South Africa, said Ducassi, who asked Chardy to verify it. —Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2024

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

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