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

Montecito High School Para-educator Lindsay Swanson, an employee since August 2015, was praised for her passion and dedication while serving with a cheerful and positive demeanor. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025

The show follows the adventures of José, a cheerful and curious character, along with his best friends —Obi, a playful rabbit, and Kim, a curious monkey. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 May 2025

This cheerful morning tune highlights the importance of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast that fuels your body for a day of play and learning. —Fiona Tapp, Parents, 8 May 2025

Fresh herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary and lemon verbena are drink-friendly herbs that add flavor as well as cheerful color. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 6 May 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