thanksgiving
noun
thanks·giv·ing
| \ thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ
also ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi-
\
also ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌgi-
\
Definition of thanksgiving
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
In the final movement Francis and company captured the spirit of thanksgiving, a wonderful feeling at the conclusion of such outstanding orchestra playing. — Ken Jacques, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Tao wows and Francis dances in Mainly Mozart final concert," 23 June 2019 To commemorate the end of a bloody Revolutionary War, George Washington issued what might be considered the first executive order, setting aside the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. — Sam Wineburg, Smithsonian, "What George Washington’s Views on Religion and America Don’t Translate Well to Today’s Politics," 12 June 2019 The pair arrived together at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, April 25 to attend a service of commemoration and thanksgiving for Anzac Day. — Omid Scobie, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince William & Duchess Kate Have Visited Meghan at Frogmore Cottage," 25 Apr. 2019 Bertie made a seemingly miraculous recovery a few weeks later, prompting Victoria to undertake a public thanksgiving service—her first official state ceremonial appearance in ten years. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "How Did Queen Victoria's Husband Prince Albert Die?," 4 Mar. 2019 This meeting, held in 1623, was the colony’s first declared thanksgiving but there’s no record of anyone stuffing a turkey—this day was devoted to prayer. — Sam Walker, WSJ, "The Plymouth Colony and the Business Case for Gratitude," 25 Nov. 2018 Now George Washington proclaims a day of thanksgiving as America wins its war of independence, and Lincoln declares it a national holiday. — Peggy Noonan, WSJ, "The Pilgrims Take Manhattan," 21 Nov. 2018 Celebration and thanksgiving were not the only purpose of the gathering. — Steve West, Sun-Sentinel.com, "A rally for MAMA | Opinion," 9 July 2018 Later in the day, Meghan and Harry will take part in a service of commemoration and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. — Erin Hill, PEOPLE.com, "Somber Morning for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as They Attend Veterans' Memorial Service," 25 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thanksgiving.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for thanksgiving
thanksgiving
noun
English Language Learners Definition of thanksgiving
: the fourth Thursday in November in the U.S. or the second Monday in October in Canada celebrated as a legal holiday for people to be thankful for what they have
formal
: a prayer that expresses thanks to God
See the full definition for thanksgiving in the English Language Learners Dictionary
thanksgiving
noun
thanks·giv·ing
| \ thaŋks-ˈgi-viŋ
\
\
Kids Definition of thanksgiving
2
: a prayer or an expression of gratitude