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 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 Conversation > Interrupting a thanksgiving day parade is not a way to get people to join your cause. Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023 The early-morning strikes coincided with Simchat Torah, coming toward the end of the weeklong Jewish festival of Sukkot, which is also known as the Feast of the Tabernacles and is a time of autumnal thanksgiving. WSJ, 8 Oct. 2023 In recent years, the village has also invited international visitors to attend an annual harvest festival, known as Seren Taun, a thanksgiving ceremony for all the blessings received during the year. Kalpana Jain, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2023 During the ceremony at St. Giles’ Cathedral—known as a national service of thanksgiving—Charles received a dazzling crown and scepter, which form part of the Honours of Scotland. Justin Ray, Robb Report, 5 July 2023 For a service of thanksgiving marking Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, Anne wore a brilliant gold brooch with a cascade of gems as well as a pearl choker and diamond and pearl earrings. Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, 23 June 2023 At a national service of thanksgiving in the Queen's honor at St. Paul's Cathedral, Meghan wore a Dior stone white trench coat and skirt and a matching wide-brimmed Dior hat designed by Stephen Jones. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 19 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thanksgiving.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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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