happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
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 youW. S. Gilbert
2
: felicity, aptness
a striking happiness of expression
3
obsolete : good fortune : prosperity
all happiness bechance to theeWilliam Shakespeare

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for happiness

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of happiness was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

happiness

noun
hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

More from Merriam-Webster on happiness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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