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

In a way, playing baseball helps bring happiness to those going through tragedy, Rojas said. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

And as the ships’ names imply, a voyage on any one of these vessels is one that is designed to bring happiness to all who partake. — Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Now, the happiness curve is flat until around age 50, when life satisfaction begins to rise again. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Not happiness, not the next milestone, not some abstract version of financial freedom. — Cody Bjugan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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