joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun

Synonyms of joyful

• thankful
• delighted
• happy
• pleased
• glad
• satisfied
• joyous

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

While avid fans may be disappointed, Ohashi’s confident and joyful return to the elite stage bodes well for 2027 and beyond. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Each interview became a joyful discussion about me and about the work, and I was hired as the first woman on night-shift security at this complex, opening the way for others to come. — Leslie Revilock, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026

Out of this joyful friction a new writing style emerged, more daring and more disciplined than either of us has ever managed alone. — Scott Westerfeld, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

At their best, joyful and generative, with an infectious appetite for life. — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun