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

• 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

The movie’s most affecting moments are between Lynette and her brother, played with disarming cheerful innocence by Gottsagen and with alarming distress when Kenny is placed in tense situations. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025

Others expressed their appreciation for the remodel, calling it bright and cheerful. —Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Buc-ee the Beaver, the cheerful mascot in a red cap, is featured on eye-catching red and yellow billboards that beckon travelers from miles away along the interstate. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 13 Aug. 2025

Simeon Woods Richardson was upbeat and cheerful on Friday, a noticeable difference from just days earlier. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2025

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