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

Even with the Hornets in the midst of one of the best stretches in franchise history and the city gravitating toward full-fledged acceptance and happiness, the test that stood before them was a beast. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026

This focus on their past appeals to the story’s lowest hanging fruit, which is its sense of incipient tragedy, the foreclosure of the possibility for happiness. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026

Brussels doesn’t pose an actual threat to Hungarian health and happiness, but the poor state of the nation’s hospitals very well might. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

The lessons are the important component of this breakup, and both parties attempt to find happiness elsewhere. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 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