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

The speakers were agency veterans from the shrunken regional office who did their best to be cheerful. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026

Hay’s stainless steel Arcs Trolley boasts a delicate, scalloped edge and cheerful colorways that offer storage with personality. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026

Lluritu is mainly frequented by cheerful locals, with loud voices and healthy appetites. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026

Plants To Avoid Near Marigolds While marigolds are generally agreeable in the garden, there are a few plants to avoid placing too close to these cheerful blooms. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 4 May 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