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

• beatitude
• blessedness
• bliss
• blissfulness
• felicity
• gladness
• joy
• warm fuzzies

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

The perfect smile can be the key to self-esteem, to happiness, to personal connection. —Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Free Update Deadline For Windows Users There is also evidence that having a variety of places contributes to happiness. —Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

Enzo Maresca There’s a particular sort of person who tends to celebrate goals, wins, anything to do with sporting success really, not with obvious expressions of happiness, but with an intensity that might look like anger to the untrained eye. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 May 2025

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential observers of happiness and human nature. —Gretchen Rubin, CNBC, 11 May 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