thank-you

American  

[thangk-yoo] / ˈθæŋkˌyu /

adjective

1. expressing one's gratitude or thanks.

   a thank-you note.

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noun

1. an expression of thanks, as by saying “thank you”.

   I never got so much as a thank-you for helping him.

thank you British  

interjection

1. a conventional expression of gratitude

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Etymology

Origin of thank-you

1785–95 thank-you for def. 2; noun and adj. use of verb phrase thank you

Example Sentences

I have another dilemma for you: If your guests don’t give you physical gifts or cash and donate to charity instead, are you still required to send them a thank-you note?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

They’re the core values of a real Midwesterner, who doesn’t leave a store, restaurant or party without a hearty thank-you and a smile.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

I experienced a secondhand childhood shiver of being prompted to write a thank-you note.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

The eyewear makers all received thank-you letters from the president, recalled Karine Pelissard, who has spent 30 years in the trade.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

The ground came quick and hard, but I landed and rolled as the train lumbered on without a thank-you or goodbye.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Related Words

• thanks