joyous

adjective

joy·​ous ˈjȯi-əs How to pronounce joyous (audio)
: joyful
a joyous occasion
a joyous celebration
joyously adverb
joyousness noun

Examples of joyous in a Sentence

a mood of joyous anticipation a joyous crowd eagerly awaiting the countdown to midnight on New Year's Eve
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.
Neither of her previous partners really cherished Callie or brought out her joyous side until Arizona. James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025 So to have a figure like him in my life who is so sparkly and dynamic and wise and insightful and joyous and hardworking is an absolute gift. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 Despite the best attempts of the musicians onstage to play songs that were bright and joyous—as when Hot Chip, Ibibio Sound Machine, and the Trans Voices choir tapped into anthemic diva house for their joint performance—the mood at Wembley Arena was profoundly somber. Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 18 Sep. 2025 The end credits played over photos of Belly and Conrad spending a romantic and joyous Christmas in Paris together, as well as a note from the creator herself. Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyous was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Joyous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyous. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyous

adjective
joy·​ous ˈjȯi-əs How to pronounce joyous (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy : joyful
joyously adverb
joyousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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