thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce thanksgiving (audio)
also
ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi- How to pronounce thanksgiving (audio)
1
a
capitalized : 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
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.
Their last public appearance as a couple was at the service of thanksgiving honoring King Constantine at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in February 2024, which several members of the British royal family also attended. Janine Henni, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025 So were the more solemn thanksgiving ceremonies, and George Washington held one after the Revolutionary War. Michael Morris, TIME, 27 Nov. 2024 The former royal couple's most recent appearance together was at the thanksgiving service honoring King Constantine at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in February 2024. Janine Henni, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 In many ways, that spirit will be a combination of a theme from the last major holiday — thanksgiving — as well as this one — new birth. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thanksgiving 

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of thanksgiving was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near thanksgiving

Cite this Entry

“Thanksgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thanksgiving. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

thanksgiving

noun
thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgiv-iŋ How to pronounce thanksgiving (audio)
1
: the act of giving thanks
2
: a prayer expressing gratitude
3
capitalized : thanksgiving day

More from Merriam-Webster on thanksgiving

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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