English Reference
noun

thanksgiving

n.
US /ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ/ UK /θˈæŋksɡɪvɪŋ/ thanks·giv·ing UK spelling thanksgivings

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The airports were crowded throughout Thanksgiving as millions of passengers attempted to reach their families before the Thursday feast.

    holiday weekend
  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    gratitudethanksbenediction
    ingratitude
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Religion

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

    a brief prayer of thanks offered before a meal.

    Simple

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

    In context

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


From thanks + giving.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated