happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
Synonyms of happinessnext
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 thee …William 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.
But instead of feeling fear and pain, people actually feel an idea of happiness. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025 That moment filled me with great joy and mixed emotions of sadness and happiness. Time Photo Department, Time, 23 Dec. 2025 The name seems fitting for Frye, who has spent the entirety of her young life in search of affection and happiness. Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025 Sometimes the smallest gesture creates the biggest happiness. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 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 28 Dec. 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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