: 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.
After waiting in line, Mr. Biden gave a thumbs-up to election workers at 12:23 p.m. ET. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024 The post featured an image of Snoopy doing a thumbs-up in front of a voting box while standing next to the American flag. Saba Hamedy, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2024 Back in July, LeBron James gave White an unqualified verbal thumbs-up as a two-way player. Hunter Felt, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 Upon arriving at the courthouse in Manhattan, Adams gave a thumbs-up to onlookers but made no statement as he was escorted inside. Chloe Atkins, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near thumbs-up

Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbs-up. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on thumbs-up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!