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

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

The final two months of the year boasted a solid Thanksgiving frame and finally a very strong push to the end of the year with an eclectic mix of movies for every demographic in December. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2026

Grazing platters and Thanksgiving tables full of every kind of potato dish have been going viral on social media, and for good reason. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025

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