Thanksgiving means a time for giving thanks, especially for the good things and people in your life. The word itself comes from “giving thanks,” and in a religious sense it can mean thanking God for blessings.

Holiday meaning

In the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is a national holiday focused on gratitude for the harvest and the good things from the past year. Families and friends usually gather for a special meal and often share what they are thankful for.

Everyday meaning of the word

Outside the holiday, “thanksgiving” simply means the act of expressing thankfulness or gratitude, often in a religious context. It can refer to prayers, words, or actions that show you are grateful.