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

• beatitude
• blessedness
• bliss
• blissfulness
• felicity
• gladness
• joy
• warm fuzzies

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

May today and every day be filled with blessings, kindness, and happiness. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2025

That’s about as high as the happiness goes, however. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 14 Jan. 2025

Cadiz Bay Travelers can spike their happiness when visiting this ancient Spanish port city by enjoying the many parks, beaches and abundance of sunshine. 5. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025

Long-term happiness is partly an inside job that takes practice. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs 

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy