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

One line in the film holds that every encounter with loneliness is the first step toward happiness. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

The series will explore what constitutes happiness in different cultures and show the travelers — and viewers — different approaches to contentment. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

That happiness is exactly what Evergreen needed, after a tragic school shooting rocked the community one year ago. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 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