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

Relationships have a big effect on health and happiness, too. —Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Eventually, your bitterness about prioritizing other people will bubble over, tarnishing your relationships and happiness. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 1 Jan. 2025

Across cultures, food rituals carry powerful symbolism, from wealth and progress to health and happiness. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Moriah Brown, actor (Sean Michael Ryan) My wishes for the new year are health, wealth and happiness. —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

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