thank

American  

[thangk] / θæŋk /

verb (used with object)

1. to express gratitude, appreciation, or acknowledgment to.

   She thanked them for their hospitality.

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noun

1. Usually thanks a grateful feeling or acknowledgment of a benefit, favor, or the like, expressed by words or otherwise.

   to return a borrowed book with thanks.

interjection

1. thanks, (used as an informal expression of gratitude, appreciation, or acknowledgment).

idioms

1. no thanks to, (used to express annoyance) not owing to.

   I caught my flight after all, no thanks to you.

2. thanks to, (used to express gratitude or blame) because of; owing to.

   Thanks to good organization and hard work, the benefit concert was a great success.

   The case went poorly thanks to the lawyer's incompetence.

3. thank God, (used as an interjection to express relief, thankfulness, etc.) Also thank goodness, thank heaven

4. have oneself to thank, to be personally to blame; have the responsibility.

   The citizens have only themselves to thank for corruption in government.

5. thank you, (used as an interjection to express gratitude, appreciation, or acknowledgment, as for a gift, favor, service, or courtesy).

thank British  

/ θæŋk /

verb

1. to convey feelings of gratitude to

2. to hold responsible

   he has his creditors to thank for his bankruptcy

3. used in exclamations of relief

   thank goodness

   thank God

4. used ironically to intensify a command, request, etc

   I'll thank you to mind your own business

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thank More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing thank

• give thanks for small blessings

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Other Word Forms

• rethank
  verb (used with object)
• thanker
  noun
• unthanked
  adjective
• unthanking
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of thank

First recorded before 900; Middle English (noun) “favorable thought, goodwill, gratitude,” (in singular and plural) expression of thanks; Old English thanc (in singular) expression of thanks, originally, “thought, thoughtfulness”; akin to think ¹

Explanation

When you thank someone, you tell them how grateful or appreciative you are. You'll definitely thank your friends if they get together and throw you a fabulous surprise party for your birthday. If you appreciate something, like friendly, quick service at a restaurant or a stranger's generosity, you'll want to say, "Thanks!" Saying "thanks" or "thank you" is just one way to thank someone: you can also write a grateful note, leave a tip, or bake them cupcakes. People sometimes say, "Thank goodness!" when they're relieved that some disaster was averted.

Example Sentences

"It's been such a big influx of messages and comments, but if I could say thank you to everyone, then this is my thank-you."

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Afterward, Morfitt sent an email to Wilson to thank him for the meeting, and attached a term sheet for a potential settlement.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

In July 2016, best-selling author and wellness guru Deepak Chopra contacted Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, to thank him for his hospitality.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

“I want to thank President Xi, my friend, for this magnificent welcome,” Trump said in his toast at the state banquet, repeating the personal overture.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

They didn't thank me, they just stood there getting warm.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

Related Words

• acknowledge
• kiss
• praise