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

Reporter's notebook:Finland, happiness, saunas, NATO and the threat from Russia Finland joined NATO in April 2023 in direct reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

This schism becomes her barrier to happiness, discounting and dismissing the clearly beguiling Sam, a handsome charmer with a twinkle in his eye. —Jason Bailey, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Movement brings happiness and also reveals the unconscious. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025

In Mike White’s hands, The White Lotus remains a beautifully insightful satire with lots to say about money, power and true happiness. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 13 Feb. 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