thanks

plural noun

ˈthaŋ(k)s 

1

: kindly or grateful thoughts : gratitude

2

: an expression of gratitude

return thanks before the meal

—often used in an utterance containing no verb and serving as a courteous and somewhat informal expression of gratitude

many thanks

Synonyms

• appreciation
• appreciativeness
• gratefulness
• gratitude
• thankfulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Turkish Ambassador Murat Tamer thanked South Korea for helping Turkey during difficult times and conveyed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's thanks and regards to Yoon. —CNN, 10 Feb. 2023

Taco Bell reported stellar growth in 2022, a feat executives said was achieved thanks in part to the A-list star of the fast food chain’s recent commercials. —Chloe Taylor, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2023

Then one night Joe saves Kate from muggers, and as thanks, Malcolm drags him out for a night at Sundry House, the exclusive SoHo club with an annual fee of £25,000. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 9 Feb. 2023

The Jackets, which led 12-9 after the first quarter, outscored the Toros 21-8 in the second quarter to take a 33-17 halftime lead, thanks, in large part, to Ray Andrews. —al, 9 Feb. 2023

Over the last several decades, American wine lovers learned to heed that advice thanks in large part to Kermit Lynch, Neal Rosenthal and Terry Theise—two importers and an importer-consultant, all three wine-business legends. —Lettie Teague, WSJ, 9 Feb. 2023

Expressing thanks for Britain’s robust and early military support, Mr. Zelensky nevertheless warned that warplanes were now urgently needed to thwart a fresh Russian offensive that is already mobilizing in Ukraine’s east. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2023

This is of New York — New York City, on a peaceful, cold, windless night: Check you later, y’all, and thanks much. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 8 Feb. 2023

Offer them to someone who has stood by you through a difficult time as a sign of thanks, or gift to your favorite coworker for always being supportive. —Kate Mcgregor, ELLE Decor, 8 Feb. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

plural of Middle English thank, from Old English thanc thought, gratitude; akin to Old High German dank gratitude, Latin tongēre to know

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing thanks

• thanks a bunch/lot/million
• yes, thanks
• thanks to
• no thanks to
• owe a debt of gratitude/thanks to
• thanks a million

• thanks a bunch/lot/million
• yes, thanks
• thanks to
• no thanks to
• owe a debt of gratitude/thanks to
• thanks a million

Kids Definition

thanks

noun plural

ˈthaŋ(k)s 

1

: kindly or grateful thoughts : gratitude

express my thanks for their kindness

2

: an expression of gratitude

give thanks before the meal

many thanks