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 of happiness

• 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

Guthrie explains experiences like this taught her faith is forged, not in moments of ease or happiness, but in the lowest points of adversity. —Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026

Watch for new or deepening love, family happiness, groundbreaking innovations, ambition, fame, freedom, protection and money, money, money. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026

Watch for new or deepening love, family happiness, groundbreaking innovations, ambition, fame, freedom, protection, and money, money, money. —Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026

Compared to the film, there weren’t as many scenes where the Shakespeare family were depicted with such happiness. —Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026

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