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

Greeted by his cheerful driver Nigel (Mawaan Rizwan) and informed that they’re headed to the Savoy, Brad settles down for a nap in the car. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 24 Nov. 2025

This Ohio River pedestrian bridge is bedecked in cheerful twinkling lights for the holidays. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Nov. 2025

The once-open poolside retreats have been retrofitted with sliding doors and plexiglass to offer protection from the cold, and each cabana was hand-decorated by staff members with cheerful, seasonal decor. —Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 19 Nov. 2025

The car lit up like a fifth passenger had joined us, explaining the Cretaceous Period in cheerful detail. —Erica Dhawan, Fortune, 18 Nov. 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