• Thanksgiving

    Pronunciation

    Origin

    thanks + giving

    Full definition of thanksgiving

    Noun

    thanksgiving

    (plural thanksgivings)
    1. an expression of gratitude.
      • 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot (novel) Chapter IVThe waters grew suddenly lighter, and my spirits rose accordingly. I shouted down to those below that I saw daylight ahead, and a great shout of thanksgiving reverberated through the ship. A moment later we emerged into sunlit water, and immediately I raised the periscope and looked about me upon the strangest landscape I had ever seen.
    2. a short prayer said at meals; grace, a benediction.
    3. A public celebration in acknowledgement of divine favour.
      • 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 20, Hester Earle and Violet Wayne were moving about the aisle with bundles of wheat-ears and streamers of ivy, for the harvest thanksgiving was shortly to be celebrated, while the vicar stood waiting for their directions on the chancel steps with a great handful of crimson gladioli.
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