happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
Synonyms of happinessnext
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 youW. S. Gilbert
2
: felicity, aptness
a striking happiness of expression
3
obsolete : good fortune : prosperity
All happiness bechance to thee …William Shakespeare

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wednesday’s big money Florida Lottery draw games — Powerball, Fantasy 5, Florida Lotto — produced extreme financial happiness for players at a Miami grocery chain and Florida’s signature supermarket chain. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 Multiple studies link time outdoors to gains in happiness and overall wellbeing. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026 Their happiness, though, is what is coming into question. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026 The new research, conducted among 30,000 parents and 15,000 children aged 5-12 globally, found that five hours of playtime a week boosts family happiness and wellbeing, but 44% of the families surveyed didn’t hit that threshold. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for happiness

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of happiness was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

happiness

noun
hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

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