Thanksgiving is an important holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. In this article, we will explore Thanksgiving words and phrases, including words for food, feelings, and traditions. We hope that this article will help you to expand your vocabulary and feel more confident using English for this holiday.
Thanksgiving Words
Contents
Understanding Thanksgiving Words
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in America on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It is a day for giving thanks for the blessings of the year, and spending time with family and loved ones. In this section, we will explore the history of Thanksgiving and traditions associated with the holiday.
History of Thanksgiving
The history of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans held a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. This feast is often considered the first Thanksgiving. However, it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in the United States.
Traditions
Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and share a meal. The meal typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families also watch football games or participate in a “Turkey Trot” race on Thanksgiving Day.
Another tradition associated with Thanksgiving is the act of giving back. Many people volunteer at soup kitchens or donate to food drives to help those in need during the holiday season.
Examples of Thanksgiving Words
Here are some Thanksgiving-related words and phrases to help you expand your vocabulary:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Harvest | The gathering of crops |
| Cornucopia | A symbol of abundance, typically a horn-shaped basket filled with fruits and vegetables |
| Pilgrim | A person who journeys to a new place, especially for religious reasons |
| Mayflower | The ship that brought the Pilgrims to America |
| Native American | A person who is a member of one of the indigenous peoples of America |
| Turkey | A large bird that is traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving |
| Gravy | A sauce made from the juices of cooked meat |
| Stuffing | A mixture of bread, herbs, and other ingredients that is stuffed inside a turkey |
| Pumpkin pie | A dessert made from pumpkin, spices, and a pastry crust |
Example Sentences
- We always have a big Thanksgiving feast with our family.
- My favorite part of Thanksgiving is eating pumpkin pie.
- The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower to America.
- Many Native Americans were displaced from their land during American colonization.
- I like to make gravy from scratch using the turkey drippings.
Thanksgiving Words: The Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving is a significant event in American history, and it is often associated with the Pilgrims and their journey to the New World. The Pilgrims were a group of English settlers who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620 on a ship called the Mayflower. They were seeking religious freedom and a new life in the New World.
The Pilgrims faced many challenges when they arrived in Plymouth, including harsh weather conditions, disease, and hunger. With the help of the local Native American tribe, the Wampanoag, the Pilgrims were able to survive and thrive in their new home.
The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621, and it was a celebration of the Pilgrims’ successful harvest. The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag came together for a feast that included turkey, venison, fish, and other foods. The feast lasted for three days, and it was a time of peace and friendship between the two groups.
Vocabulary Words
Here are some vocabulary words related to the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pilgrim | A person who journeys to a new place, especially for religious reasons |
| Native | Belonging to a particular place by birth or origin |
| Native American | A member of any of the indigenous peoples of the Americas |
| Settler | A person who settles in a new country or area |
| Settlers | A group of people who settle in a new country or area |
| Plymouth | A town in Massachusetts where the Pilgrims settled |
| Mayflower | The ship that the Pilgrims sailed on to the New World |
| Colony | A group of people who settle in a new country or area and are subject to the parent country |
| Colonists | The people who settle in a colony |
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the vocabulary words:
- The Pilgrims were seeking religious freedom when they journeyed to the New World.
- The Wampanoag were a Native American tribe that lived in the Plymouth area.
- Many Native Americans were killed or displaced by European settlers.
- The settlers built a colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
- The colonists were subject to the laws of England.
Thanksgiving Words: Foods
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is synonymous with food. Families gather together to enjoy a delicious meal and give thanks for all the good things in their lives. Here are some of the most popular Thanksgiving foods:
Turkey
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a turkey. It is usually roasted in the oven and served as the centerpiece of the meal. Turkey is a type of poultry that is native to North America. It is a lean meat that is high in protein and low in fat.
Stuffing
Stuffing is a mixture of bread, vegetables, and spices that is cooked inside the turkey. It is a popular side dish that adds flavor and texture to the meal. Stuffing can also be cooked separately in a casserole dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish. They are made by boiling potatoes until they are soft and then mashing them with butter and milk. Mashed potatoes are a creamy and comforting addition to any meal.
Gravy
Gravy is a sauce that is made from the drippings of the turkey. It is thickened with flour and seasoned with salt and pepper. Gravy is poured over the turkey and mashed potatoes to add flavor and moisture.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that is made from cranberries and sugar. It is traditionally served with turkey and adds a bright pop of color to the meal.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. It is made from a mixture of pumpkin puree, spices, and sweetened condensed milk. The filling is poured into a pie crust and baked until it is set.
Other Thanksgiving Foods
There are many other foods that are commonly served at Thanksgiving, including:
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cornbread
- Green beans
- Rolls
- Ham
- Pecan pie
- Apple pie
Thanksgiving Words: Traditions
Gathering with Friends and Family
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones. Many families travel long distances to be together on this special day. It is a time to catch up, reminisce, and make new memories. Friends are also often invited to join in the festivities, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Traditional Activities
There are many traditional activities associated with Thanksgiving. One of the most popular is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This parade features giant balloons, floats, and marching bands. Another popular activity is playing games, such as football or board games.
Decorations and Centerpieces
Decorations play a big role in Thanksgiving celebrations. Many people decorate their homes with autumnal colors and symbols, such as pumpkins, leaves, and cornucopias. A centerpiece is often placed on the dining table, which may include flowers, candles, or a cornucopia filled with fruits and vegetables.
Gobbling Up the Food
No Thanksgiving celebration would be complete without a delicious feast. The centerpiece of the meal is often a roasted turkey, which is accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and various vegetables. Sweet treats, such as pumpkin pie and apple pie, are also a popular addition to the meal.
Here are some words and phrases associated with Thanksgiving traditions:
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Friends | People you enjoy spending time with |
| Gather | To come together in one place |
| Sweet | Having a sugary taste |
| Traditional | Something that is done in a customary way |
| Activities | Things that people do for fun |
| Games | Activities that involve competition |
| Decorations | Objects used to make a place look more festive |
| Centerpiece | A decorative object placed in the center of a table |
| Gobble | To eat quickly and hungrily |
Examples of sentences using Thanksgiving words:
- We’re going to gather with our friends and family for Thanksgiving dinner.
- I love the sweet taste of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.
- Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a traditional activity in our family.
- The centerpiece on our Thanksgiving table is a beautiful bouquet of autumn flowers.
- My dad always gobbles up his Thanksgiving dinner in record time.
Thanksgiving Words: Activities
Black Friday Shopping
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and is known for its huge sales and discounts. Many people enjoy going shopping on this day to find great deals on gifts for the holiday season. If you plan to go shopping on Black Friday, be sure to make a list of the items you want to buy and set a budget for yourself.
Cooking Activities
Cooking is a big part of Thanksgiving Day. Here are some words related to cooking and their meanings:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Baste | To moisten food while cooking by spooning liquid over it |
| Brine | A solution of salt and water used to preserve or add flavor to food |
| Carve | To cut meat or poultry into slices for serving |
| Gravy | A sauce made from meat juices and flour or cornstarch |
| Stuffing | A mixture of bread, herbs, and other ingredients used to fill poultry or meat before cooking |
Gathering Activities
Thanksgiving Day is all about gathering with family and friends. Here are some words related to gathering and their meanings:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Family | A group of people related by blood or marriage |
| Friends | People whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection |
| Host | A person who receives or entertains guests |
| Table | A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used as a surface for working at, eating from, or on which to place things |
| Welcome | Greet (someone arriving) in a polite or friendly way |
Use these words to talk about your Thanksgiving Day gathering or to invite someone to your home for the holiday. For example:
- My family and friends are coming over for Thanksgiving dinner.
- I’m excited to welcome everyone to my home for the holiday.
- We’ll be setting the table with our best dishes and silverware.
- Our host is cooking a delicious turkey for us to enjoy.
- We’re looking forward to spending time with our loved ones on Thanksgiving Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common Thanksgiving words?
Some words related to Thanksgiving are feast, gratitude, family, turkey, pumpkin, harvest, cornucopia, pilgrim, Native American, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato.
What are Thanksgiving words for 2nd grade?
Here are some Thanksgiving vocabulary words for 2nd grade:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| turkey | a large bird that is often eaten at Thanksgiving |
| family | a group of people who are related to each other |
| pumpkin | a large round fruit with a hard skin |
| corn | a tall plant with ears of yellow or white kernels |
| thank you | an expression of gratitude |
What are the Thanksgiving words for 5th grade?
Here are some Thanksgiving words for 5th grade:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| gratitude | the quality of being thankful |
| tradition | a custom or belief that is passed down through generations |
| harvest | the gathering of crops |
| colony | a group of people who settle in a new place and remain under the control of their home country |
| Mayflower | the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America |
What are some Thanksgiving words for family?
Here are some Thanksgiving words for family:
- gathering
- reunion
- togetherness
- love
- gratitude
- sharing
- memories
- laughter
- feast
- tradition
What are some 5 letter Thanksgiving words?
Here are some 5 letter Thanksgiving words:
- feast
- gravy
- corn
- bread
- table
- cider
- sauce
- apple
- plate
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