joyful

1 of 2

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun

joyfulness

2 of 2

noun

joy·​ful·​ness

-fəlnə̇s

plural -es

: joy

Synonyms of joyful

Adjective

• thankful
• delighted
• happy
• pleased
• glad
• satisfied
• joyous

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

Adjective

We were joyful at the news.

the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In Paris, the Nouveau Monde orchestra accompanied protesters in joyful music. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026

Life that doesn’t just accept its sentence, but embraces it in joyful reverence? — Gabi Abrão, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Two of Kariem’s former students described him as joyful, patient and an inspiration. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Surrounded by pure and joyful chaos, Stein slowly walked onto the turf with his arms in the air in awe of the scene unfolding in front of him. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English joyfulnesse, from joyful + -nesse- -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun