What does "thanksgiving" mean?

1. (the long weekend) the period of several days including the holiday when people often travel or have time off. 2. (expressing gratitude) the act of saying thank you or showing that you are grateful. 3. (prayer before a meal) a short prayer said before eating a meal to give thanks.

thanksgiving

US //ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ// UK //θˈæŋksɡɪvɪŋ// thanks·giv·ing

1 the long weekend (n.)
B1 Intermediate American English

the period of several days including the holiday when people often travel or have time off.

the extended holiday period or long weekend surrounding Thanksgiving Day.

Example

Traffic is always very heavy during Thanksgiving because so many people travel home.

Example

The airports were crowded throughout Thanksgiving as millions of passengers attempted to reach their families before the Thursday feast.
- holiday weekend
2 expressing gratitude (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Religion

the act of saying thank you or showing that you are grateful.

the formal expression of gratitude, especially to a deity or as a public acknowledgement of favour.

Example

The community held a special service of thanksgiving after the harvest was finished.

Example

The ceremony concluded with a formal thanksgiving for the peace treaty, attended by representatives from all participating nations.
- gratitude
- thanks
- benediction
- ingratitude

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3 prayer before a meal (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Religion

a short prayer said before eating a meal to give thanks.

a brief prayer of thanks offered before a meal.

Example

The family paused for a moment of thanksgiving before they started their dinner.

Example

In many traditional households, the eldest member of the family leads the thanksgiving before the evening meal is served.
- grace
- blessing

Origin

From thanks + giving.