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

Now, with the dust of the last few years settling, Munn is recentering her focus on what brings her happiness, such as going back to work, hanging out with her close girlfriends, date nights with her husband, and all things fashion. — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

The happiness my translations gave me was not free of disquiet. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Economic insecurity was one factor in bringing down the state’s happiness rating. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

To Native Americans, a dragonfly is a symbol of purity and happiness. — Olga R. Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 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