ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tanks

n. · v. · interj.
US //ˈtæŋks// UK //tˈæŋks// tanks
  1. 1 containers or vehicles (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    more than one large container for liquid, or more than one heavy military vehicle with tracks.

    the plural of 'tank', referring to large vessels for storing fluids or heavily armoured military vehicles.

    Example

    The farm has two large water tanks to help during the dry summer.

    Example

    The military parade featured several heavy tanks moving slowly down the main boulevard while spectators watched from the pavements.
  2. 2 to fail or drop (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    when something, like a business or a movie, fails completely or loses value quickly.

    to decline or fail suddenly and powerfully; often used in financial or entertainment contexts regarding performance.

    Example

    The company's stock tanks every time the CEO says something controversial.

    Example

    The film usually tanks at the box office if the initial critical reviews are overwhelmingly negative during the opening weekend.
  3. 3 thank you (interj.)
    C1 Advanced Humorous Dialect Informal

    a funny or informal way to say 'thanks', often used to mimic a specific accent.

    a pronunciation spelling of 'thanks', typically used to represent an Irish accent or for humorous effect in informal writing.

    Example

    Tanks a million for helping me move those heavy boxes.

    Example

    He signed off his casual message with a quick 'tanks' to mimic the local dialect he had heard on his travels.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a non-standard spelling used for stylistic effect; learners should use 'thanks' in all standard or professional communication.

Last updated June 19, 2026