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

• 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

More generally, Europeans' personal happiness levels have seemingly gravitated away from church and children, the traditional sources of meaning, and toward a discomfiting positive correlation with the size of a nation's welfare state. —MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

However, Bloom quickly realized that money didn’t buy happiness. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

Cooper inspires Nell to challenge her insecurities and find happiness in being on her own. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025

Enthusiasm and happiness were noted in the participants, even if the adults weren't addicted to caffeine. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025

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