happiness

noun

hap·pi·ness | \ ˈha-pē-nəs

Definition of happiness

1a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about happiness

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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

Whoever said money can't buy happiness never signed a $140 million NFL contract (with a $65 million signing bonus), then bought their mom a house for Mother's Day. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "NFL’s Russell Wilson Surprised His Mom With a House for Mother's Day," 14 May 2019 The company of friends brings comfort and happiness in the coming weeks. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What May’s Capricorn Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 30 Apr. 2019 Camp is an emotion and a particular way of thinking that has a lot to do with not taking oneself (or things) too seriously, and understanding that joy and fun and excess are an integral part of human existence and happiness. — Vogue, "For Libertine’s Johnson Hartig, Home Is Where the Art Is," 26 Apr. 2019 With its low birth rate and quickly aging population, Finland’s key challenge now is finding ways to preserve the social system that has for years topped global quality-of-life and happiness rankings and created a world-renowned education system. — Jari Tanner, The Seattle Times, "Finns to vote on how best to save their welfare state," 12 Apr. 2019 So making the series finale about Rebecca finding happiness in herself and her dreams instead of a relationship cements the show's legacy as one of the most realistic romantic comedies. — Sydney Bucksbaum, Teen Vogue, ""Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" Finale Gives Rebecca a Different Kind of Happy Ending," 6 Apr. 2019 Psychologists will tell you that the best way to be happy is not to pursue happiness directly. — David Roberts, Vox, "My advice for aspiring explainer journalists," 9 Dec. 2018 The goal now was to take care of myself and implement self-care practices that would ease the pain and sorrow and bring happiness back into my reach. — Dixie Lincoln-nichols, SELF, "5 Ways I Learned to Deal With Grief During the Holidays," 21 Nov. 2018 But the game still brings more happiness and joy than sadness. — Joshua Goodman, The Seattle Times, "Venezuelan fans endure sacrifices to ‘Play Ball’ amid crisis," 15 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'happiness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.