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

There is an alarming and well-documented decline in youth happiness. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

This retrograde is asking you to stop performing romance, creativity, or happiness for other people and reconnect with what genuinely lights you up. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 May 2026

Her head slid down the leather headrest, neck tilting backward for more happiness to escape, clavicle bared to her husband’s confused gaze. —‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 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