Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun An act, instance, or sign of approval.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A sign of approval

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • Dabney St. Claire gives me a thumbs-up, which is way better than what the tomato gives me—a look like I am the thing she just stepped in that smells bad.

    Milo Alan Silberberg 2010

  • Dabney St. Claire gives me a thumbs-up, which is way better than what the tomato gives me—a look like I am the thing she just stepped in that smells bad.

    Milo Alan Silberberg 2010

  • Older Italians in particular will be happier to see a thumbs-up, since the OK hand gesture resembles one that was quite offensive in less global times.

    The English Is Coming! Leslie Dunton-Downer 2010

  • Older Italians in particular will be happier to see a thumbs-up, since the OK hand gesture resembles one that was quite offensive in less global times.

    The English Is Coming! Leslie Dunton-Downer 2010

  • A thumbs-up generally provides more reliable coverage as an ok hand sign in Italy, where some believe it has conveyed approval at least since ancient audience members used it to cast their opinions on deserved fates of gladiators.

    The English Is Coming! Leslie Dunton-Downer 2010

  • A thumbs-up generally provides more reliable coverage as an ok hand sign in Italy, where some believe it has conveyed approval at least since ancient audience members used it to cast their opinions on deserved fates of gladiators.

    The English Is Coming! Leslie Dunton-Downer 2010

  • But whenever I looked behind me hoping to see a bemused smile or a thumbs-up, Rob Lowe just looked bored or else preoccupied.

    Ilana Ross: My Sort of True Love Affair With a Really Very Cool and Famous Person Ilana Ross 2011

  • But whenever I looked behind me hoping to see a bemused smile or a thumbs-up, Rob Lowe just looked bored or else preoccupied.

    Ilana Ross: My Sort of True Love Affair With a Really Very Cool and Famous Person Ilana Ross 2011

  • When the Republicans instead put forward an amendment on health care, Queens Rep. Joe Crowley and other Democrats huddled on the floor to read through it, and were visibly relieved at the contents, flashing each other broad smiles and thumbs-up signs.

    House Passes 9/11 Health Bill Devlin Barrett 2010

  • Sales surged, says Jones, after the often-dieting Winfrey nibbled some Dippin 'Dots on the show — and gave them a thumbs-up.

    Dippin' Dots looks for next flash-frozen hit: Coffee dots 2009

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