Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and delicious feasts. Whether you're learning English or simply want to expand your holiday-related vocabulary, mastering these words will help you better understand and celebrate this special occasion. Below is a curated list of essential Thanksgiving terms, along with their meanings and usage examples.

Core Thanksgiving Vocabulary

Thanksgiving (n.)

The holiday celebrated primarily in the U.S. and Canada, dedicated to giving thanks for blessings, harvests, and family.
Example: "We gather with family every year for Thanksgiving dinner."

Gratitude (n.)

The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation.
Example: "Expressing gratitude is an important part of Thanksgiving."

Feast (n./v.)

A large, elaborate meal; to eat and drink plentifully.
Example: "The Thanksgiving feast included turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie."

Harvest (n./v.)

The process of gathering crops; the yield of a season’s crops.
Example: "Early settlers celebrated a successful harvest with a feast."

Pilgrim (n.)

The English settlers who arrived in America in 1620 and celebrated the first Thanksgiving.
Example: "The Pilgrims shared a meal with the Native Americans."

Native American (n.)

The indigenous peoples of North America, who played a key role in the first Thanksgiving.
Example: "The Wampanoag tribe helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter."

Traditional Thanksgiving Foods

Turkey (n.)

The main dish of most Thanksgiving meals.
Example: "We roasted a 20-pound turkey for dinner."

Stuffing (n.)

A seasoned bread mixture cooked inside the turkey.
Example: "Herb stuffing is my favorite Thanksgiving side dish."

Gravy (n.)

A sauce made from turkey drippings, served over meat and potatoes.
Example: "Pass the gravy, please!"

Mashed Potatoes (n.)

Boiled potatoes crushed into a creamy side dish.
Example: "Mashed potatoes taste best with butter and garlic."

Cranberry Sauce (n.)

A sweet-tart condiment made from cranberries.
Example: "Do you prefer homemade or canned cranberry sauce?"

Pumpkin Pie (n.)

A spiced pie made with pumpkin puree, often served with whipped cream.
Example: "No Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie."

Thanksgiving Activities & Traditions

Parade (n.)

A public procession, often featuring floats and balloons.
Example: "The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition."

Football (n.)

A popular sport watched by many families on Thanksgiving.
Example: "After dinner, we watched the Thanksgiving football game."

Black Friday (n.)

The day after Thanksgiving, known for major sales and shopping deals.
Example: "Many people wake up early for Black Friday discounts."

Volunteer (v./n.)

To offer help without payment; a person who does so.
Example: "Some families volunteer at soup kitchens on Thanksgiving."

Blessing (n.)

A prayer said before a meal; something that brings happiness.
Example: "Grandpa gave the Thanksgiving blessing before we ate."

Expressions & Phrases for Thanksgiving

"Give thanks" (phr.)

To express gratitude.
Example: "We take time to give thanks for our health and family."

"Count your blessings" (phr.)

To reflect on the good things in life.
Example: "Even in hard times, it’s important to count your blessings."

"Gobble gobble" (phr.)

An onomatopoeic phrase representing the sound a turkey makes.
Example: "The kids laughed while imitating a turkey—'Gobble gobble!'"

"Leftovers" (n.)

Food remaining after a meal, often eaten the next day.
Example: "Thanksgiving leftovers make the best sandwiches."

Historical & Cultural Terms

Mayflower (n.)

The ship that transported the Pilgrims to America.
Example: "The Mayflower’s journey was long and difficult."

Plymouth Colony (n.)

The first permanent English settlement in New England.
Example: "The first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth Colony."

Cornucopia (n.)

A horn-shaped basket symbolizing abundance, often used as a centerpiece.
Example: "The table was decorated with a cornucopia filled with fruits."

Autumn (n.)

The season in which Thanksgiving is celebrated (also called "fall").
Example: "Thanksgiving marks the heart of autumn."

Modern Thanksgiving Trends

Friendsgiving (n.)

A Thanksgiving celebration with friends, often held before or after the holiday.
Example: "We hosted a Friendsgiving potluck last weekend."

Vegan Turkey (n.)

A plant-based alternative to traditional turkey.
Example: "This year, we’re trying a vegan turkey made from tofu."

Gratitude Journal (n.)

A notebook where people write daily thankful thoughts.
Example: "Keeping a gratitude journal helps me stay positive."

Virtual Thanksgiving (n.)

A holiday gathering held online for distant family members.
Example: "Since we couldn’t travel, we had a virtual Thanksgiving over Zoom."

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it’s a time to reflect, connect, and appreciate life’s gifts. By learning these words, you can engage more deeply in conversations, understand cultural traditions, and even share the spirit of gratitude in your own language. Whether you’re discussing turkey recipes, watching the parade, or simply saying "thank you," these terms will help you celebrate with confidence.

Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with warmth, good food, and meaningful moments.