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

Marie Kondo has taken over our TV screens—and our living rooms—and has inspired thousands of people to declutter their spaces and figure out what really sparks joy in their lives. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "This is What's Actually Keeping You From KonMari'ing Your House," 3 Apr. 2019 Such a joy to be invited to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix with @hrhthedukeofyork and Beatrice. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "People Think Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew Are Back Together After She Joined Him on an Official Royal Trip," 1 Apr. 2019 World-renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo is sparking joy among shoppers feeling the urge to clean out their homes. — Anne D'innocenzio, The Seattle Times, "You’ve Kondo’d; now what to do with all that unwanted stuff," 26 Mar. 2019 There's no shortage of material possessions that spark joy for me: sweatpants that qualify as daywear, croissants of every variety, and $435 LED face masks that double as Instagram props. — Glamour, "This Moisturizer Instantly Gives Me Dewy Dumpling Skin," 11 Mar. 2019 This coffee shop, which draws a reliable crowd of regulars, sources insanely good beans from all over the world, but its pride and joy is local coffee from Northern Thailand. — Katie Lockhart, Condé Nast Traveler, "11 Best Places For Coffee in Bangkok," 18 Oct. 2018 When Croatia beat Russia on July 7th its president gyrated for joy in front of Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s prime minister. — The Economist, "Croatia stands on the cusp of World Cup victory," 13 July 2018 When Robin Williams took his own life, in 2014, at 63 fans were shocked that someone who spread so much joy and laughter could be driven to such despair. — Peter Keough, BostonGlobe.com, "Doc Talk: A sad clown and a happy collector," 12 July 2018 But that description belies the improvisational joy of the Hitman experience. — Julie Muncy, Ars Technica, "Hitman 2 review: Accessible stealth oozing with style," 16 Nov. 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.