Thanksgiving Day

noun

: a day appointed for giving thanks for divine goodness: such as
a
: the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the U.S.
b
: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in Canada

Examples of Thanksgiving Day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in Manhattan, watched by millions around the country on TV every year, has cemented the brand’s place in American culture. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 In 1975, Phil Ragsdale, the founder of what would become known as the International Gay Rodeo Association a decade later, came up with the idea to hold a gay rodeo in Reno to raise money for the local senior citizens’ annual Thanksgiving Day feed. Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025 Focus Features releases the film from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment in select theaters on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, before taking it wide on December 12. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Thanksgiving Day will be the best day to shop for sporting goods; Black Friday will see the deepest discounts for TVs, toys, and appliances; Cyber Monday will be the best day to shop for electronics, apparel and computers. David Moin, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Thanksgiving Day

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Thanksgiving Day was in 1674

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Cite this Entry

“Thanksgiving Day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Thanksgiving%20Day. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

Thanksgiving Day

noun
: a day for giving thanks for divine goodness: as
a
: the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the U.S.
b
: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in Canada

More from Merriam-Webster on Thanksgiving Day

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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