cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchir-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits : merry

a cheerful host

b

: ungrudging

cheerful obedience

2

: conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry

sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

ˈchir-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

ˈchir-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• blithe
• blithesome
• bright
• buoyant
• canty [British dialect]
• cheery
• chipper
• eupeptic
• gay
• gladsome
• lightsome
• sunny
• upbeat
• winsome

Examples of cheerful in a Sentence

She has a cheerful outlook on life.

He seems a little more cheerful today.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s also all-day dining in its cheerful El Hall bistro and bar. —John Oseid, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Winter Nights & River Lights (Nov. 22-Jan. 5) This Ohio River pedestrian bridge is bedecked in cheerful twinkling lights for the holidays. —Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 21 Dec. 2024

Even so, Mufasa is allowed to pal around with Obasi’s heir, Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a cheerful good sport. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

True, the new year can be exciting for some, but January still has short, cold days and, now, the lack of cheerful holiday decor to accompany it. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see cheer entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cheerful

adjective

cheer·​ful ˈchi(ə)r-fəl 

1

a

: full of good spirits

a cheerful outlook

b

: willing sense 3

cheerful obedience

2

: pleasantly bright

a sunny cheerful room

cheerfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

cheerfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun