joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
Synonyms of joyfulnext
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
a joyful crowd
joyful faces
a joyful occasion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 19 Dec. 2025 Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025 Even though the holidays are meant to be joyful, plenty of people feel the opposite way. Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2025 Filmed over three summers, this joyful portrait blows the dust off traditional tales of Empire, migration and belonging. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective
joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy
a joyful family reunion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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