# thanksgiving

/ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ/ (US) · /θˈæŋksɡɪvɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thanksgiving
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. the long weekend

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

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

For teachers: the extended holiday period or long weekend surrounding Thanksgiving Day.

- Traffic is always very heavy during Thanksgiving because so many people travel home.
- The airports were crowded throughout Thanksgiving as millions of passengers attempted to reach their families before the Thursday feast.

### 3. expressing gratitude

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

- The community held a special service of thanksgiving after the harvest was finished.
- The ceremony concluded with a formal thanksgiving for the peace treaty, attended by representatives from all participating nations.

### 4. prayer before a meal

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: a brief prayer of thanks offered before a meal.

- The family paused for a moment of thanksgiving before they started their dinner.
- In many traditional households, the eldest member of the family leads the thanksgiving before the evening meal is served.

## Examples

- The family gathered to offer thanksgiving for their health.
- After the harvest was safely stored, the community held a special service of thanksgiving to celebrate their success.
- While the holiday is now synonymous with football and turkey, its origins lie in a solemn thanksgiving for the survival of early settlers during a harsh winter.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.