joie de vivre

noun

joie de vi·​vre ˌzhwä-də-ˈvēvrᵊ 

: keen or buoyant enjoyment of life

He radiates a vitalizing energy, the zest and gaiety of an inexhaustible joie de vivre.

—Robert Kuttner

Examples of joie de vivre in a Sentence

She is admired for her energy and joie de vivre.

Recent Examples on the Web

Surrounded by honeymooners, June tries (and flirts) to reclaim her joie de vivre, while Lela is deep in the dark. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 May 2026

Joie de vivre Happy-go-lucky hounds have an abundance of joie de vivre, a French phrase that refers to a cheerful and exuberant enjoyment of life. — Aditya Simha, The Conversation, 7 May 2026

The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes and all around joie de vivre live on. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all around joie de vivre live on. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, joy of living

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for joie de vivre

• unbeliever
• achiever
• believer
• deceiver
• perceiver
• receiver
• reliever
• retriever
• transceiver
• cleaver
• fever
• leaver