rejoice

verb

re·​joice ri-ˈjȯis How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
rejoiced; rejoicing

transitive verb

: to give joy to : gladden

intransitive verb

: to feel joy or great delight
rejoicer noun
rejoicingly adverb
Phrases
rejoice in

Examples of rejoice in a Sentence

We all rejoiced over our friend's good luck. rejoiced over our unexpected victory on the soccer field
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.
Miami Hurricanes fans likely rejoiced Tuesday when the latest College Football Playoff rankings came out. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025 To be sure, Christians should pray and work for peace, rejoice when tragedy is averted and cheer when the Gospel is shared. Abby McCloskey, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025 Dance fans rejoiced this past July when beloved trio Above & Beyond released Bigger Than All of Us, their first entirely electronic studio album in seven years. Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025 Now is that time; explore, rejoice and lean in. Rochelle Ratkaj, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rejoice

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French rejois-, stem of rejoier, rejoir, from re- + joir to welcome, enjoy, from Latin gaudēre to be glad — more at joy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rejoice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rejoice. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

rejoice

verb
re·​joice ri-ˈjȯis How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
rejoiced; rejoicing
1
: to give joy to : gladden
news that rejoices the heart
2
: to feel joy or great delight
rejoice over a friend's good luck
rejoicer noun
rejoicingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on rejoice

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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