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

Talk about them finding their way back to each other to get five minutes of happiness before it was all blown up by this accident. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026

Celebrate our 250th anniversary by reading history books, watching historical documentaries, becoming more civically engaged, and appreciating the precious gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026

Each city was evaluated across 29 key indicators of happiness, including depression rates, income growth, and average daily leisure time. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026

Reflecting on the good stuff is a lovely practice that fosters happiness and optimism. —David Sparrow, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026

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