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

George Oliver 3-Piece Bistro Set Ideal for small spaces like patios, balconies, or porches, George Oliver’s three-piece bistro set creates a new spot to hang out while adding a cheerful pop of color. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026

Even the prettiest and most cheerful landscapes and still lifes, such as Belly Flowers and Sonny Hart’s Garden, use this contrast to create tension. —Benjamin Lima special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026

Just off the kitchen is a cheerful breakfast nook topped with skylights, inviting you to linger on weekend mornings. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

One cheerful trend that’s set to make a comeback? —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 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