: 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.
During the Hamas' release ceremony Saturday, a beaming Omer Shem Tov — acting under duress — blew kisses to a crowd of Palestinians in Gaza, flashed a thumbs-up, and even kissed the two militants next to him on the head. Associated Press, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025 The Duke of Sussex took in the tribute with emotion as the crowd stood on their feet and cheered, fighting back tears and throwing a thumbs-up. Janine Henni, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025 Presti asked Paul his opinion on Daigneault, and Paul gave a thumbs-up. Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 Today, reviewers at the FDA rely on raw data for their drug approvals, not the questionable thumbs-up of journals’ peer review. Adam Marcus, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 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 5 Mar. 2025.

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