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

The ability to experience different cultures and lifestyles and enjoy adventure, which boost your happiness and productivity. —Rachel Wells, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Thank you for filling my life with so much love and happiness. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024

Dogs may genuinely give their owners a happiness boost at work. —Jessica Pierce, TIME, 15 Dec. 2024

The key is to bring more happiness sparks into your life — not by chance, but by choice. —Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 15 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