cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchir-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits : merry

a cheerful host

b

: ungrudging

cheerful obedience

2

: conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry

sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

ˈchir-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

ˈchir-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of cheerful

• bright
• optimistic
• cheery
• sunny
• upbeat
• smiling
• buoyant

Examples of cheerful in a Sentence

She has a cheerful outlook on life.

He seems a little more cheerful today.

Recent Examples on the Web

His bold, vibrant, and cheerful artwork have become a signature at their establishments and many other LA restaurants. —Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Nov. 2025

And this kid was bushy-eyed, friendly, cheerful, helpful, and just the nicest young guy. —Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025

The city is in the thick of a cheerful populist mania. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025

The fabric is light enough to layer on travel days yet cozy enough for chilly winter escapes, and the vibrant color options, like royal blue and mandarin orange, add a cheerful twist to the traditional knit. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheerful

• fearful
• tearful

Kids Definition

cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchi(ə)r-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits

a cheerful outlook

b

: willing sense 3

cheerful obedience

2

: pleasantly bright

a sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun