happy

adjective

hap·py | \ ˈha-pē

happier; happiest

Definition of happy

1 : favored by luck or fortune : fortunate a happy coincidence

2 : notably fitting, effective, or well adapted : felicitous a happy choice

3a : enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment is the happiest person I know a happy childhood

b : expressing, reflecting, or suggestive of happiness a happy ending

c : glad, pleased I'm happy to meet you

d : having or marked by an atmosphere of good fellowship : friendly a happy office

4a : characterized by a dazed irresponsible state a punch-happy boxer

b : impulsively or obsessively quick to use or do something trigger-happy

c : enthusiastic about something to the point of obsession : obsessed education-conscious and statistic-happy— Helen Rowen

Other Words from happy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about happy

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Choose the Right Synonym for happy

lucky, fortunate, happy, providential mean meeting with unforeseen success. lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result. won because of a lucky bounce fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts. fortunate in my investments happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed. a series of happy accidents providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power. a providential change in the weather

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action. fit for battle suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands. clothes suitable for camping meet suggests a just proportioning. meet payment proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom. proper acknowledgement appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness. an appropriate gift fitting implies harmony of mood or tone. a fitting end apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination. apt quotations happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate. a happy choice of words felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful. a felicitous phrase

Examples of happy in a Sentence

She was a very happy child. You don't look happy. What's the problem? We're all one big, happy family here. I'd do anything to make her happy. I could hear the children's happy laughter in the other room. She had a very happy childhood. They've had a very happy marriage. I was glad the movie had a happy ending. We are so happy that you were able to come to the party. They are not at all happy about the rise in taxes.

Recent Examples on the Web

The country singer's past does not break any eligibility rules, but some fans are still not happy. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "Why 'The Voice' Contestant Dexter Roberts's Past Is Causing Controversy," 11 Mar. 2019 Getty ImagesVivien Killilea Serena Williams has a ton to be happy about this year. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Serena Williams and Daughter Olympia Relax on a Beach to Celebrate News of Tennis Rule Changes," 20 Dec. 2018 Cheers to the happy couple—and our March cover stars! — Vogue, "Hailey Bieber on Her Vogue Cover, How Justin Proposed, and Loving Shake Shack," 8 Feb. 2019 Getty Images Shout out to Sarah Jessica Parker, who just singlehandedly rescued us all from the misery of Blue Monday with some very happy news. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Sarah Jessica Parker is Bringing Back Carrie Bradshaw for a Mystery Cause With a "Great Brand"," 21 Jan. 2019 In the end my manicure looked like a smudgy, gooey mess applied by a color-happy kindergartener. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Seche Vite Top Coat Is the $6 Game Changer That Saved My Manicures," 22 Feb. 2019 Use this guide to select the right machine, and happy mowing. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "The Lawn Mower Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Buy the Right Mower," 22 Feb. 2019 Unsurprisingly, people were NOT happy that the brand was seemingly selling the same product for double the price. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "People Are Accusing Kat Von D Beauty of Scamming Customers With Their Famous Tattoo Liners," 21 Feb. 2019 Since then, the entire city has maintained its terra-cotta pink coloring, much to the delight of Instagram-happy travelers. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The 25 most colorful cities in the world," 19 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'happy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.