happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs 

1

a

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

b

: a pleasurable or satisfying experience

I wish you every happiness in life.

I had the happiness of seeing you

—W. S. Gilbert

2

: felicity, aptness

a striking happiness of expression

3

obsolete : good fortune : prosperity

all happiness bechance to thee

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

• joy
• bliss

Examples of happiness in a Sentence

They made a toast to long life and happiness.

her happiness was complete when she got her very own house

Recent Examples on the Web

There is art, beauty, love, happiness, construction, invention, wonder. —Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025

Finland was a standout in happiness and water and sanitation, taking the top spot in both categories. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025

Diane was my partner, my friend, someone who brought me happiness and on more than one occasion influenced the direction of my life. —Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

In a bid to show Arj that money doesn’t buy happiness, Gabriel swaps his life with Jeff’s, setting off a chaotic week of rich-and-poor, Freaky Friday-esque hijinks. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for happiness

• unhappiness

Kids Definition

happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs 

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy