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

In the letters that Wilson collected, there are countless appeals to God, prayers for help and understanding and prayers of thanksgiving for strength and mercy. —Casey Cep, New Yorker, 9 May 2026

Sunday concludes with a thanksgiving and praise service. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 7 May 2026

Upcoming Freedom 250 events include a May 17 national jubilee of prayer, praise and thanksgiving on the National Mall, a national observance on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery and a state fair on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10. —Max Rego, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026

It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion. —Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

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