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.
Coming back to this joyful city to be honored is a very precious moment. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025 Trier, who was eight when Løchen died, remembered him as a joyful companion on skiing trips. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 The holidays are meant to feel warm and joyful. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025 The joyful surprise inspired the addition of a second level to their Southern California home, including a new primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 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 9 Nov. 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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