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
W. S. Gilbert3
obsolete
: good fortune : prosperity
all happiness bechance to thee—William Shakespeare
William ShakespeareExamples 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
Kate Beckinsale is finding heartfelt ways to spread happiness amid her mother’s cancer diagnosis.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 10 July 2025
The Russian word for happiness—schastye—is etymologically different from the Western notion.
—AFAR Media, 10 July 2025
Some of the most popular personal definitions of wealth include happiness, physical health, mental health, quality of relationships, accomplishments, amount of free time, and material possessions.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Unschooled children who need to pick up difficult-to-learn skills need to be taught stamina and commitment by their parents, rather than focusing on their happiness or satisfaction in the short term.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for happiness
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Angel Saunders, People.com, 10 July 2025
The Russian word for happiness—schastye—is etymologically different from the Western notion.
—AFAR Media, 10 July 2025
Some of the most popular personal definitions of wealth include happiness, physical health, mental health, quality of relationships, accomplishments, amount of free time, and material possessions.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Unschooled children who need to pick up difficult-to-learn skills need to be taught stamina and commitment by their parents, rather than focusing on their happiness or satisfaction in the short term.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for happiness
Cite this Entry
“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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happiness
noun
hap·pi·ness
ˈhap-i-nəs
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy
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