joyous

adjective

joy·​ous ˈjȯi-əs How to pronounce joyous (audio)
: joyful
a joyous occasion
a joyous celebration
joyously adverb
joyousness noun

Examples of joyous in a Sentence

a mood of joyous anticipation a joyous crowd eagerly awaiting the countdown to midnight on New Year's Eve
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.
Shortly after, Smoke and Stack open their new establishment, and the party starts as a joyous occasion. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 5 July 2025 The Lunar New Year, a joyous celebration observed across East Asia, marks the beginning of spring on the lunisolar calendar. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 One of the most striking features of the No Kings day protests attended by millions of Americans was just how joyous many of them were. David Litt, Time, 24 June 2025 He will also be remembered for his joyous celebrations after the play-off final. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyous was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Joyous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyous. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyous

adjective
joy·​ous ˈjȯi-əs How to pronounce joyous (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy : joyful
joyously adverb
joyousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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