: 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.
Once Tom gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up, though, she was bound for success. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 16 May 2025 Tatum posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed after surgery with a thumbs-up. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025 The board members were deciding whether or not to give a thumbs-up to the company to move ahead with more planning. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025 Former Sox catcher and Fox broadcaster A.J. Pierzynski gave the new pontiff a public thumbs-up, adding to the chorus of South Side pride. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 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 28 May. 2025.

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