: an instance or gesture of approval or encouragement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Then there’s the quiet ones who will give a thumbs-up or a heart emoji. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2023 Definitely a thumbs-up, all around. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2023 And for Adam to come over and give us the thumbs-up on a creative decision for the performances and also the camera and everything else meant the world to us. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2023 Fellow Irish actor Colin Farrell, who was sitting in the front row, gave Martin a big thumbs-up during the serenade. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2023 The first time a photo of me appeared in The New York Times, my father sent a thumbs-up emoji. Adam Tendler, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2023 Her mother responded quickly: thumbs-down, thumbs-up, double exclamation marks. Ann-marie Alcántara, WSJ, 27 Feb. 2023 Demonstrators stopped him for a photo or gave him a thumbs-up. Constant Méheut, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thumbs-up.' 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

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thumbs-up was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near thumbs-up

Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbs-up. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

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