: an instance or gesture of approval or encouragement

Examples of thumbs-up 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.
That’s assuming the panel will give its thumbs-up. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 In one, a nurse in pink scrubs gives a thumbs-up, while another woman in blue scrubs bends over and sticks her tongue out near a stained exam chair. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 In addition, Democratic nominee and State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani danced in Caribbean style for the crowd, while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, also running for mayor as an independent, offered a thumbs-up to spectators. Robert Birsel gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 Moore shopped with the children and gave thumbs-up on their selections. Yadira Sanchez Olson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thumbs-up

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbs-up. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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