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

• blithe
• blithesome
• bright
• buoyant
• canty [British dialect]
• cheery
• chipper
• eupeptic
• gay
• gladsome
• lightsome
• sunny
• upbeat
• winsome

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

Poor, cheerful, annoying Sydney (Kali Rocha) is outta here! —Lincee Ray, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024

The charming hanging curtain string lights help create a more warm, romantic, cheerful, and relaxed atmosphere. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 9 Oct. 2024

The cheap, cheerful (and on-sale) sponge is a staple in her everything shower, the actress told Byrdie. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 8 Oct. 2024

In the clip, the Oscar and Grammy winner is surrounded by a cheerful entourage who applaud his achievement. —Emiliana Betancourt, Variety, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

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

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