happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs 

1

a

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

b

: a pleasurable or satisfying experience

I wish you every happiness in life.

I had the happiness of seeing you

—W. S. Gilbert

2

: felicity, aptness

a striking happiness of expression

3

obsolete : good fortune : prosperity

all happiness bechance to thee

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

• joy
• bliss

Examples of happiness in a Sentence

They made a toast to long life and happiness.

her happiness was complete when she got her very own house

Recent Examples on the Web

Strangers became friends and friends became family in a crowd that has felt anger, despair and hopelessness before finally feeling some happiness. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

My key to vacation happiness is to focus on a specific slice of town and avoid wasting precious time in the intense traffic. —Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Fandom builds belonging, helps adults make friends, boosts happiness and even provides a buffer against traumatic life events. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

In this life, achieving happiness or any kind of freedom is so hard for so many people. —Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for happiness

• unhappiness

Kids Definition

happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs 

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy