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

The initiative, dubbed the Party Line project, is the brainchild of Matter Neuroscience, a mental health startup focused on researching the science behind happiness and creating tools to battle major depressive disorders. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

The film also examines what happens when one version of happiness becomes dominant. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

That contentment was like a gentle wind on a hot day, or a few drops of rain during a drought – natural, humane happiness. —Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026

Managers who build this leadership skill recognize rising stress signals and adjust before that pressure spills onto their teams, protecting trust and employee happiness. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 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