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

Every visit evoked grief and fury, happiness and gratitude, disbelief and mourning. — Lina Sergie Attar, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

While financial planning is vital for retirement, true happiness in this life stage often hinges on a different mindset. — Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

But not money, nor records, nor media attention brought happiness. — Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026

In the past decade or so, happiness rates have declined precipitously for unmarried adults—regardless of education level—much more so than for those who are married, Yifeng Wan, a researcher at the University of Virginia, has found. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 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