cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchir-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits : merry

a cheerful host

b

: ungrudging

cheerful obedience

2

: conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry

sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

ˈchir-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

ˈchir-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of cheerful

• bright
• optimistic
• cheery
• sunny
• upbeat
• smiling
• buoyant

Examples of cheerful in a Sentence

She has a cheerful outlook on life.

He seems a little more cheerful today.

Recent Examples on the Web

With both extended families gathered at Athen’s Piraeus harbour, we where given a tearful goodbye with hearftfelt prayers and cheerful optimisum to begin our American journey. — Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Spend some time at a local pond or lake and greet these pretty waterfowl, observing their colorful markings and cheerful chatter. — Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Parents, 2 July 2026

The art collection bolsters the cheerful, polychromatic spirit of the interiors. — Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026

The metal-and-glass construction gives it a more elevated look than its price might suggest, while the color combinations add a cheerful, almost retro jolt to a shelf, side table, or countertop. — Erika Owen, Vogue, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheerful

• fearful
• tearful

Kids Definition

cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchi(ə)r-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits

a cheerful outlook

b

: willing sense 3

cheerful obedience

2

: pleasantly bright

a sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun