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

Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic. — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026

If the reports are true and James is prioritizing basketball happiness over just title contention in the final stage of his career, the Warriors offer the best landing place in the league. — Nick Friedell, New York Times, 1 July 2026

To their community, the couple appeared to be role models of happiness and devotion. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Everyone is over the moon with the experience, especially Aesha, who can barely contain her happiness; the night set the bar very high for the rest of the season. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 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