joyous

adjective

joy·​ous ˈjȯi-əs How to pronounce joyous (audio)
: joyful
a joyous occasion
a joyous celebration
joyously adverb
joyousness noun

Examples of joyous in a Sentence

a mood of joyous anticipation a joyous crowd eagerly awaiting the countdown to midnight on New Year's Eve
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.
The joyous event raised $1.1 million to support exhibitions, educational programs, and the preservation of the permanent collection of the oldest museum in the United States dedicated to Latino art and culture. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 At Palms Middle School, a public campus on the Westside of Los Angeles, the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown in nation's second-largest city loomed large over an otherwise joyous middle school commencement ceremony on June 10. Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 12 June 2025 But take a look at at the joyous crowd perched near the stage, singing along to every word of those all-time classic songs and having a blast. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025 The Bachelorette alum, 36, took to Instagram to share the joyous return of his rescue dog Teddy, who had been away for a four-week training to overcome past abuse. Moná Thomas, People.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyous was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Joyous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyous. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyous

adjective
joy·​ous ˈjȯi-əs How to pronounce joyous (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy : joyful
joyously adverb
joyousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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