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.
Like her brother, Jenny also enjoys helping care for animals and brings a joyful energy to the trio of siblings. The Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2025 Many travel to this popular destination for annual events such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the National Date Festival and that joyful celebration of mid-century architecture known as Modernism Week. Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 The novel’s unforgettable characters and emphasis on caregiving and friendship spread a poignant and joyful message. Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Feb. 2025 Played with exuberance by Jacob Laval, Austin is a disrupter and catalyst, a lesson in joyful mettle to everyone around him — especially his parents (Zachary Levi and Meghann Fahy). Sheri Linden, New York Times, 20 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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