happiness

noun

hap·pi·ness | \ ˈha-pē-nəs

Definition of happiness

1a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about happiness

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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

These are the people who cherish most the future happiness of, and opportunities for, their children, and their voices should be heard. — Omid Scobie, Harper's BAZAAR, "Duchess Kate Asserts Committment to Early Childhood Development with Touching Letter," 18 May 2019 My confusion over the sadness of the breakup and the happiness of the new relationship was only compounded by my tiredness. — Kate Gardner, SELF, "What It’s Like to Be So Sleep Deprived That You Hallucinate," 14 Feb. 2019 The disturbing moments, however, color the happiness that follows. — Christian Hertzog, sandiegouniontribune.com, "A rare, fiery performance of a Rebel ballet kicks off Mainly Mozart Festival," 10 June 2018 Billy’s boss, the vulgar and mercenary crone Mrs. Mullin (Margaret Colin), couldn’t give two figs for the happiness her joy machine gives to the community: her eyes are on the green, and on Billy. — Junot Díaz, The New Yorker, "The Dark Fantasies of “Carousel”," 17 Apr. 2018 Expanding opportunity is the fuel for greater wealth, better health, and more happiness for all. — Mark Sappenfield, The Christian Science Monitor, "To improve the world, enlist girls, too," 15 Apr. 2018 Whoever said money can't buy happiness never signed a $140 million NFL contract (with a $65 million signing bonus), then bought their mom a house for Mother's Day. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "NFL’s Russell Wilson Surprised His Mom With a House for Mother's Day," 14 May 2019 The company of friends brings comfort and happiness in the coming weeks. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What May’s Capricorn Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 30 Apr. 2019 Camp is an emotion and a particular way of thinking that has a lot to do with not taking oneself (or things) too seriously, and understanding that joy and fun and excess are an integral part of human existence and happiness. — Vogue, "For Libertine’s Johnson Hartig, Home Is Where the Art Is," 26 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'happiness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.