thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ 

also

ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi- 

1

a

Thanksgiving : 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

Over the last 25 years, our families grew extremely close, celebrating birthdays, graduations, Halloweens and Thanksgivings together. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026

Thanksgiving cactus can grow to two feet wide and two feet tall and lives for up to 30 years. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026

The nonprofit gives back to the community through Christmas toy drives, Thanksgiving food drives, and community clean-ups. —Kamal Morgan february 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026

With just a few basic ingredients, this dump cake could easily replace your Thanksgiving pie. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for thanksgiving

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• giving
• living
• sieving
• unforgiving

Kids Definition

thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgiv-iŋ 

1

: the act of giving thanks

2

: a prayer expressing gratitude

3

capitalized : thanksgiving day