Thursday

noun

Thurs·​day ˈthərz-(ˌ)dā  -dē 

: the fifth day of the week

Thursdays

ˈthərz-(ˌ)dāz 

-dēz

adverb

Examples of Thursday in a Sentence

He was late last Thursday.

We went on Thursday and returned on Saturday.

Recent Examples on the Web

Saweetie Saweetie fashioned the Rhinestone Mesh Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress by Self-Portrait for the event on Thursday night. —Julia Teti, WWD, 21 June 2024

To avoid the heaviest crowds throughout the year, plan to visit Tuesday through Thursday (and avoid weekends). —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2024

The actress was among the stars stepping out for the Thursday night, June 20, premiere of Kinds of Kindness at New York City's Museum of Modern Art. —Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024

Remember to mark your calendars for the historic Biden-Trump showdown set for Thursday at 9 p.m. ET. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English thursdæg, from Old Norse thōrsdagr; akin to Old English thunresdæg Thursday, Old Norse Thōrr Thor, Old English thunor thunder — more at thunder entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Thursday

• Holy Thursday
• Maundy Thursday

Kids Definition

Thursday

noun

Thurs·​day ˈthərz-dē 

: the fifth day of the week

Etymology

Old English thursdæg, from early Norse thōrsdagr, literally "day of Thor"

Word Origin

Among the many gods worshiped by the Germanic people who lived in northern Europe in ancient times was one whose name was Thor. Thor was the god of thunder, weather, and crops. In the early Norse language, the fifth day of the week was known as thōrsdagr, literally "day of Thor," in his honor. The Norse name came into Old English as thursdæg, which in time became the Modern English Thursday.