joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
a joyful crowd
joyful faces
a joyful occasion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kate Middleton and Prince William shared a joyful new photo taken by Kate of their daughter to mark the occasion on Friday, May 2. Stephanie Petit, People.com, 2 May 2025 Her customers, a mix of friends, family and strangers, always seemed to leave her de facto studio feeling joyful. Tariro Mzezewa, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Flipping the question makes the process lighter, easier, even joyful. Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025 Rising star: Amoako Boafo, a painter from Ghana, is garnering attention in the art world thanks to his joyful portrayals of Black men and women. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective
joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy
a joyful family reunion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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