joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
a joyful crowd
joyful faces
a joyful occasion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This Black Friday, visit FanttikRide and find a great way to encourage joyful, active play on wheels for the special child in your life. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025 The joyful color palette, spanning from pink and coral tones to desert hues and shades of blue, infiltrated also in the Alanui Finest line, the pinnacle of the brand’s offering expressed via monochrome silhouettes crafted from an exclusive cashmere and silk blend. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025 Through joyful interactions with a diverse group of kids, this new episode teaches valuable lessons about inclusivity and the magic of making new friends. Todd Spangler, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025 Each piece balances high-quality craftsmanship with designs that feel approachable and fun, making decorating a joyful experience rather than a seasonal chore. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective
joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy
a joyful family reunion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!