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)
Synonyms of thanksgivingnext
1
a
Thanksgiving : 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.
From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Thanksgiving travelers will feel the pressure too, as round-trip fares average $402, up 31% year over year. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Thanksgiving pies, pumpkin bread and spiced muffins all start with the same question. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 Thanksgiving dinner can feel like a game of Tetris, but this make-ahead mashed potato recipe gives you one less thing to juggle. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for thanksgiving

See All Rhymes for thanksgiving

Browse Nearby Words

thanksgiver
thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day
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Cite this Entry

“Thanksgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thanksgiving. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for thanksgiving

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