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
W. S. Gilbert3
obsolete
: good fortune : prosperity
All happiness bechance to thee …—William Shakespeare
William ShakespeareExamples 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
We're all endowed with the same inalienable rights to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
—CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The company's 2025 European Life-Work Balance Index evaluated each country based on factors such as sick and paid maternity leave, healthcare, annual leave, public safety and happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and average hours worked.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
One was happiness because of the death of a dictator.
—Leila Fadel, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives … and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives!
—Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happiness
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CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The company's 2025 European Life-Work Balance Index evaluated each country based on factors such as sick and paid maternity leave, healthcare, annual leave, public safety and happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and average hours worked.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
One was happiness because of the death of a dictator.
—Leila Fadel, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives … and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives!
—Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happiness
Cite this Entry
“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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happiness
noun
hap·pi·ness
ˈhap-i-nəs
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy
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