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joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: 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.
After her health led her to miss a recent International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame induction ceremony on behalf of her Dollywood theme park, Parton, 79, offered a joyful greeting to her supporters in a video shared to social media on Thanksgiving Day. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025 This year, the Star-Telegram charity is providing $100 gift cards for Old Navy stores to help children in Tarrant County have a joyful holiday season. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Nov. 2025 As families discover The Little Holiday Munchkin this season, each book purchased helps support the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, which funds joyful experiences for kids battling hunger or illness. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 If your goal is joyful and memorable, every detail matters. Cara Sylvester, Fortune, 26 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 3 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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