Word
thanksgiving
Phoneticsthanks·giv·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ/
UK/θˈæŋksɡɪvɪŋ/
Definitions
01North American holiday
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun American English
n. a holiday in the US and Canada where families gather for a large meal to give thanks.
n. a public holiday in the United States (fourth Thursday of November) and Canada (second Monday of October) traditionally celebrated with a communal meal.
“We are traveling to my aunt's house for Thanksgiving this year.”
“Retailers often anticipate the start of the holiday shopping season immediately following the Thanksgiving festivities.”
Synonyms
02expressing gratitude
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion Formal
n. the act of saying thank you or showing that you are grateful.
n. the formal or public expression of gratitude, especially toward a deity.
“The community held a special service of thanksgiving after the harvest.”
“The liturgy concluded with a solemn prayer of thanksgiving for the safe return of the explorers.”
03a prayer at meals
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Religion Formal
n. a short prayer said before eating a meal to thank God.
n. a brief prayer of grace or benediction offered before or after a meal.
Español:acción de gracias
“Grandfather always offered a short thanksgiving before we started our Sunday lunch.”
“In many traditional households, the eldest member is expected to lead the thanksgiving before the evening meal commences.”
Etymology
From thanks + giving.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/thanksgiving
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0