thank

1 of 2

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

thanker

2 of 2

noun

thank·​er

-kə(r)

plural -s

: one that thanks

Examples of thank in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration. — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Congressman Jim Clyburn, thank you so very much for being here. — NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026

Your eyes will thank you College students often fall asleep without removing their contacts, especially when exhausted from late-night studying or over-intoxicated from partying. — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

DeBoer visited his alma mater in the spring and also sent students a video this week thanking them for their support and prayers. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English thancian; akin to Old English thanc gratitude — more at thanks entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

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