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

In recognition of the effort and dedication Stebbins has contributed to the city over the past 11 years, the mayor is planning a celebratory event in November to recognize and thank her and the hundreds of volunteers with Brian’s Angels. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

The soldiers sent back an empty tank shell and a video thanking him. — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Good morning, and thank you for delaying your departure to be here in person. — CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026

On the way out, Ruiz, Carillo-Lopez’s wife, a caretaker for the elderly, thanked a reporter in English for attending the hearing. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

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