joy

noun

\ˈjȯi

Definition of joy

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight

b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety

2 : a state of happiness or felicity : bliss

3 : a source or cause of delight

joy

verb

joyed; joying; joys

Definition of joy (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to experience great pleasure or delight : rejoice

transitive verb

1 archaic : gladden

2 archaic : enjoy

Other Words from joy Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about joy

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Examples of joy in a Sentence

Noun

Their sorrow turned to joy. I can hardly express the joy I felt at seeing her again. Seeing her again brought tears of joy to my eyes. The flowers are a joy to behold! What a joy it was to see her again.

Verb

the whole town is joying in the fact that its oldest church has been restored to its Victorian splendor

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Steve imbued SpongeBob SquarePants with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. — James Freeman, WSJ, "‘Relentless Optimism and Fundamental Sweetness’," 27 Nov. 2018 Every Saturday: Experience the joy of losing weight, less stress, more strength, increased flexibility, and more concentration, focus and stamina. — Mary Lou Cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Davie area events July 18-28," 14 July 2018 But on Friday, the turkey — which brought joy to the Columbia community for months — died after the bird was struck by a vehicle, KOMU reported. — Kaitlyn Schwers, kansascity, "Tina the beloved ‘traffic-stopping’ turkey hit by car. Missouri community mourns loss," 13 July 2018 Nothing brought him more joy than throwing a football and engaging in lively conversation with family, friends, or complete strangers alike. — courant.com, "William Carlton Gordon," 12 July 2018 In Burgess’ mind, theater should bring joy to those who are involved in it. — David Lyman, Cincinnati.com, "Got a high school kid that loves theater? They need to know about this," 21 June 2018 And thank you, Lord, for Elmo, who brings so much joy to our lives. — Nestor Ramos, BostonGlobe.com, "Wails of children is the sound of zero tolerance," 19 June 2018 Five-year-old Ian Parker and his unlikely friend are bringing joy to the world after a video of them playing an incredible game of copycat went viral earlier this week. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "Watch This Adorable Little Boy and Bear Jump in Unison at Nashville Zoo," 14 June 2018 Their products—purses and food exploration—brought joy to so many people. — Jonathan B. Singer, Fortune, "We Still Don’t Fully Understand Suicide. But We Do Know What Reduces It," 12 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Part of reversing that fear is getting families to steadily recall memories, tastes, and other sensations that gave their sons and daughters joy or comfort in youth. — Fox News, "Confessions of a former jihadist recruiter who now deradicalizes potential terrorists," 3 May 2018 There are three ways to get involved: Wear PINK in Holly’s honor Make a plan to share hugs and spread love & joy through random acts of heartfelt kindness for those in your community. — Jeff Zrebiec, baltimoresun.com, "The Heap family is asking you to honor the memory of their daughter Wednesday," 2 May 2017

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

History and Etymology for joy

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice

Verb

see joy entry 1

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