happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs 

1

a

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

b

: a pleasurable or satisfying experience

I wish you every happiness in life.

I had the happiness of seeing you

—W. S. Gilbert

2

: felicity, aptness

a striking happiness of expression

3

obsolete : good fortune : prosperity

all happiness bechance to thee

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

• joy
• bliss

Examples of happiness in a Sentence

They made a toast to long life and happiness.

her happiness was complete when she got her very own house

Recent Examples on the Web

While Mercury in Leo encourages you to prioritize your happiness on a daily basis, Saturn in Aries brings structure to your finances and sense of security. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 June 2025

Bhutan has become famous for its different approach to governance, which has been admired in the West, for example calculating gross national happiness or mandating that 60% of the country remain forested. —Katharina Buchholz, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

But does real happiness exist in the world of The Bear? —Marah Eakin, Vulture, 26 June 2025

At the end of the day, your dog's safety, wellbeing, and happiness are what truly count. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for happiness

• unhappiness

Kids Definition

happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs 

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy