Thanksgiving Vocabulary: Words to Know for the Festive Season

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, marked by gratitude, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re planning to join the festivities or just want to expand your English vocabulary, this list of Thanksgiving-related words will help you confidently navigate the holiday. Let’s explore some key terms commonly associated with this special day!

Source: Learn English Coach YouTube Channel

1. Thanksgiving

Definition: A holiday for giving thanks and celebrating the harvest, observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and the second Monday of October in Canada.

Example Sentence: We celebrate Thanksgiving every year with a big family dinner.

2. Harvest

Definition: The process or season of gathering crops. Thanksgiving historically celebrates the harvest season.

Example Sentence: Farmers worked hard during the harvest to gather all the crops before winter.

3. Feast

Definition: A large, elaborate meal, often prepared for a special occasion.

Example Sentence: The Thanksgiving feast included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

4. Turkey

Definition: A large bird traditionally roasted and served as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner.

Example Sentence: My uncle always carves the turkey during Thanksgiving dinner.

5. Stuffing

Definition: A mixture of seasoned bread, herbs, and sometimes vegetables, cooked inside the turkey or separately.

Example Sentence: The stuffing was everyone’s favorite part of the meal.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Definition: A sweet and tangy sauce made from cranberries, often served as a side dish.

Example Sentence: I love to add cranberry sauce to my turkey for extra flavor.

7. Pumpkin Pie

Definition: A dessert made from a spiced pumpkin filling in a pie crust, often topped with whipped cream.

Example Sentence: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie.

8. Cornucopia

Definition: A decorative horn-shaped basket filled with fruits, vegetables, and other symbols of abundance. It’s a traditional symbol of Thanksgiving.

Example Sentence: The cornucopia on the table was filled with apples, pumpkins, and squash.

9. Gratitude

Definition: The quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for what you have.

Example Sentence: Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude for family and friends.

10. Pilgrims

Definition: Early settlers in North America who are often associated with the first Thanksgiving in 1621.

Example Sentence: The Pilgrims shared a meal with the Native Americans to celebrate their first successful harvest.

11. Native Americans

Definition: The Indigenous peoples of North America who played a significant role in the history of Thanksgiving.

Example Sentence: Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn and other crops.

12. Parade

Definition: A public procession of people, floats, and entertainment, often held to celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving.

Example Sentence: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is watched by millions every year.

13. Football

Definition: A sport commonly associated with Thanksgiving Day in the United States, with many families watching games together.

Example Sentence: After dinner, we all gather in the living room to watch the Thanksgiving football game.

14. Leftovers

Definition: Food that remains uneaten after a meal, often enjoyed the next day.

Example Sentence: I can’t wait to make a turkey sandwich with the Thanksgiving leftovers.

15. Table Setting

Definition: The arrangement of plates, silverware, glasses, and decorations on the dining table.

Example Sentence: The table setting included fall-themed decorations and elegant dishes.

16. Blessing

Definition: A short prayer or expression of thanks said before a meal.

Example Sentence: We all joined hands to say a blessing before eating.

17. Tradition

Definition: Customs or practices passed down from generation to generation.

Example Sentence: One of our Thanksgiving traditions is going around the table and sharing what we’re thankful for.

18. Relatives

Definition: Family members, often gathered together during Thanksgiving celebrations.

Example Sentence: Relatives traveled from across the country to join us for Thanksgiving.

19. Fall (Autumn)

Definition: The season during which Thanksgiving occurs, characterized by cooler weather and falling leaves.

Example Sentence: Fall is my favorite season because of Thanksgiving and the beautiful foliage.

20. Thankfulness

Definition: The state of being grateful and appreciative.

Example Sentence: Thankfulness is at the heart of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it’s a time for connection, reflection, and giving thanks for life’s blessings. By familiarizing yourself with these key terms, you’ll be ready to join the conversation and make the most of this festive season. Happy Thanksgiving!

FREE Quiz

Take our free quiz to test your knowledge of Thanksgiving Vocabulary. 👉 Click Here to Start the Quiz.