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.
But once Thanksgiving rolls around, the gauntlet returns. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 Sunday concludes with a thanksgiving and praise service. — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 7 May 2026 Imagine a hybrid of cornbread and Thanksgiving dressing with a little soufflé mixed in. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026 In Nigerian churches, fans hoisted aloft replica trophies at thanksgiving prayer services. — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 29 May 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thanksgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thanksgiving. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of thanksgiving for Spanish Speakers

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