happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
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 youW. S. Gilbert
2
: felicity, aptness
a striking happiness of expression
3
obsolete : good fortune : prosperity
all happiness bechance to theeWilliam Shakespeare

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
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.
Take this test to find out: Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire Mark Travers, Ph.d, is an American psychologist who writes about psycho-educational topics such as happiness, relationships, personality, and life meaning. Mark Travers, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Love and laughter are the path to peace and happiness. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024 The gasps, the smiles, the radiant looks of happiness in their eyes. EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024 The stone is associated with happiness and joy, according to the International Gem Society. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for happiness 

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of happiness was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near happiness

Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

happiness

noun
hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

More from Merriam-Webster on happiness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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