thumbs-up

noun

ˈthəmz-ˈəp How to pronounce thumbs-up (audio)
Synonyms of thumbs-upnext
: 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.
In one of the clips, Sweeney excitedly gave Braun a thumbs-up. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 31 May 2026 Sure, there is the occasional thumbs-up button. — Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Siskel panned it, but Ebert gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up. — Linnea Wicklund, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 And Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the team, is the first to give the idea a double thumbs-up. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 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

Rhymes for thumbs-up

See All Rhymes for thumbs-up

Browse Nearby Words

thumbstall
thumbs-up
thumbtack
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbs-up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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