Definition of jolly
jollier
;jolliest
1a (1) : full of high spirits : joyous think no more, lad; laugh, be jolly — A. E. Housman (2) : given to conviviality : jovial a jolly companionb : expressing, suggesting, or inspiring lively happiness and good cheer : cheerful jolly laughter
2 : extremely pleasant or agreeable : splendid had a jolly time
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Examples of jolly in a Sentence
Our boss was a very jolly man, always laughing.
She had a jolly time at the party.
Recent Examples of jolly from the Web
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Now Arnold wanders the house in a jolly monosyllabic stupor, barely able to negotiate a doorknob.
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There’s quite a contrast from Pierre’s soul-searching solo to the jolly chorus.
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And their gifts weren’t delivered by a jolly elf in a sleigh, but by emails to their band directors.
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Related Articles But that’s about the only thing typical in director Mark Valdez’s staging, which is jolly and serious, political and preposterous, thoughtful and thoroughly goofy.
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Finally, order yourself a Stone Heart at Disrepute on Carnaby Street—Henny might not be historically sound, but if the series is any indication, Queen V. knew how to have a jolly good time.
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Since 1937, the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School has taught its students to be jolly old souls.
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Catherine Olasky, half of the design duo Olasky & Sinsteden, brings a bit of jolly old England to her family's Texas home — and to their Southern holiday traditions.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jolly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of jolly
Middle English joli, from Anglo-French jolif, from jol-, probably from Old Norse jōl midwinter festival — more at yule
Synonym Discussion of jolly
jolly
Definition of jolly
: very would … do as they were jolly well told — John Stockbridge
Examples of jolly in a Sentence
“I've finished my assignment.” “Jolly good!”
She learned to be jolly careful in his presence.
Origin and Etymology of jolly
see 1jolly
jolly
Definition of jolly
jollies
1 chiefly British : a good time : jollification
2 jollies plural : kicks get their jollies by reenacting famous murders — H. F. Waters
Examples of jolly in a Sentence
spent their nights around the campfire good-naturedly jollying and telling scary stories
Recent Examples of jolly from the Web
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And as ever with Gorillaz, Albarn got his jollies by leading the way through bouncy, easily accessible and playfully experimental pop songs that whimsically combine mostly American music forms, with the help of lots of guests.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jolly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of jolly
see 1jolly
jolly
Definition of jolly
jollied
;jollying
intransitive verb
: to engage in good-natured banter jollied and joked with sailors in the street — Dixon Wecter
transitive verb
: to put or try to put in good humor especially to gain an end try to pay for their entertainment by jollying us along — S. E. White
Origin and Etymology of jolly
see 1jolly
JOLLY Defined for English Language Learners
jolly
playDefinition of jolly for English Language Learners
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: full of happiness and joy : happy and cheerful
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: very pleasant or enjoyable
jolly
Definition of jolly for English Language Learners
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: very or extremely
JOLLY Defined for Kids
Definition of jolly for Students
jollier
;jolliest
: full of fun or joy
Learn More about jolly
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See words that rhyme with jolly Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for jolly Spanish Central: Translation of jolly Nglish: Translation of jolly for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of jolly for Arabic speakers
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