thanksgiving

noun

thanks·​giv·​ing thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ 

also

ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi- 

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

The act of thanksgiving is a pillar of all religions. —Diane Owens Prettyman, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Nov. 2024

Yet the working hands raised in thanksgiving and supplication are offered in humility before God. —Imani Perry, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024

This tradition, which marks the start of Christmas celebrations, comes from an old procession performed by olive-oil millers, who used to put fire to the wicker strainer mats used to press the olives as an act of thanksgiving to the Holy Shepherdess (Virgin Mary) for the harvest obtained. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2023

My mother always made mincemeat pies for thanksgiving and Christmas. —Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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