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

This game, the happiness, the peace, the joy. —Jim Barnes january 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2026

Joe takes it upon himself to teach the king how to do both, delighting the king and spreading happiness to the land, earning his medal. —Noah Galuten, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026

So much of the world’s happiness rests on one man’s shoulders, and those closest to him are worried that burden has grown too heavy. —Lauren Ashley Bishop, Variety, 4 Jan. 2026

Arends says Venezuelans are dealing with a variety of emotions, happiness, fear, hope, but his heart is with many of his family members still living in Venezuela who are now asking what will tomorrow and the weeks ahead look like. —Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 3 Jan. 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