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

Dogs used the right brain more for negative sounds (fear, sadness) and the left brain more for positive sounds (happiness). —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Mitch is hurt that Cam wasn't going to tell him, but Cam couldn't bear the idea of diminishing Mitch's happiness. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 2025

The proud mom was asked what has brought her the most happiness in her life. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Nurture the happiness within yourself. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 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