Main Entry: mer·ry

Pronunciation: \ˈmer-ē, ˈme-rē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): mer·ri·er; mer·ri·est

Etymology: Middle English mery, from Old English myrge, merge; akin to Old High German murg short — more at brief

Date: before 12th century

1 archaic : giving pleasure : delightful
2 : full of gaiety or high spirits : mirthful
3 : marked by festivity or gaiety
4 : quick, brisk <a merry pace>

— mer·ri·ly \ˈmer-ə-lē, ˈme-rə-\ adverb

— mer·ri·ness \ˈmer-ē-nəs, ˈme-rē-\ noun

synonyms merry, blithe, jocund, jovial, jolly mean showing high spirits or lightheartedness. merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity <a merry group of revelers>. blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety <arrived late in his usual blithe way>. jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits <singing, dancing, and jocund feasting>. jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship <dinner put them in a jovial mood>. jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting <our jolly host enlivened the party>.