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.
Fans can rejoice in knowing that items like the Alley Special, with pepperoni, meatballs, sausage, green peppers, black olives, onions, mushrooms, and extra cheese, will return to the menu unscathed. Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 13 May 2025 And Native Americans rejoiced at connecting with a piece of their past. Kevin Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025 Here are five takeaways from Thursday’s historic election: American Catholics rejoice When white smoke began to billow above the Sistine Chapel after just two days of conclave deliberation, signaling a new pope had been selected, anticipation around the world immediately grew. Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 8 May 2025 As prospects realize their lifelong dreams of reaching the NFL, fanbases rejoice over their respective teams adding exciting, young players to the roster. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 25 Apr. 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 18 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!