thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce thanksgiving (audio)
also
ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi- How to pronounce thanksgiving (audio)
1
a
capitalized : thanksgiving day
b
: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness
2
: the act of giving thanks
3
: a prayer expressing gratitude

Examples of thanksgiving in a Sentence

They sang a hymn of thanksgiving.
Recent Examples on the Web During the ceremony at St. Giles’ Cathedral—known as a national service of thanksgiving—Charles received a dazzling crown and scepter, which form part of the Honours of Scotland. Justin Ray, Robb Report, 5 July 2023 For a service of thanksgiving marking Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, Anne wore a brilliant gold brooch with a cascade of gems as well as a pearl choker and diamond and pearl earrings. Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, 23 June 2023 At a national service of thanksgiving in the Queen's honor at St. Paul's Cathedral, Meghan wore a Dior stone white trench coat and skirt and a matching wide-brimmed Dior hat designed by Stephen Jones. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 19 June 2023 Go with a traditional prayer of thanksgiving for a familiar choice or go for something more unique. Jorie Nicole McDonald, Southern Living, 7 June 2023 More than 3,000 events are listed on the official coronation website, ranging from parades and fireworks displays to services of thanksgiving and concerts. Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 7 May 2023 Ramadan is a period of thanksgiving and shared meals, but the festivities have been overshadowed by the economic crisis. Sophia Saifi, CNN, 19 Apr. 2023 That the thanksgiving sacrifice is a type of peace offering is of great import: When acknowledging God, the human being achieves a level of inner peace. Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2023 The Good News: Doing good for others should be a natural part of our thanksgiving for God. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 30 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thanksgiving.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of thanksgiving was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near thanksgiving

Cite this Entry

“Thanksgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thanksgiving. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

thanksgiving

noun
thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgiv-iŋ How to pronounce thanksgiving (audio)
1
: the act of giving thanks
2
: a prayer expressing gratitude
3
capitalized : thanksgiving day

More from Merriam-Webster on thanksgiving

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!