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 of happiness

• 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

That story was made to remember a place of beauty that carries the ingredients of both happiness and tears, and to remember the people who continue to live despite the unspoken adversity. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

Some of the most popular personal definitions of wealth include happiness, physical health, mental health, quality of relationships, accomplishments, amount of free time, and material possessions. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025

Respecting a young person’s preferred pronouns can make a big difference in their mental health and overall happiness, according to a new study. —Staff Author, Parents, 11 Dec. 2025

In the trailer, Emma Harwood (Zendaya), who works at a publishing house, and British museum director Charlie Thompson (Pattinson) meet with a professional photographer for their wedding pictures but appear to have trouble expressing genuine happiness. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Dec. 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