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.
Here are even more opportunities to honor Stonewall’s legacy while pushing for a more just and joyful future. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025 One Cut of the Dead is a joyful, exuberant (and fittingly scrappy) celebration of zombie movie-makers. James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025 Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Elle have all described it as joyful, colorful and functional. Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 The mood among the No Kings participants was both joyful and serious. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 28 Jun. 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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