merriment

noun

mer·​ri·​ment ˈmer-i-mənt 

ˈme-ri-

1

: lighthearted gaiety or fun-making : hilarity

2

: a lively celebration or party : festivity

Synonyms

• cheer
• cheerfulness
• cheeriness
• festivity
• gaiety
• gayety
• gayness
• glee
• gleefulness
• hilarity
• jocundity
• joviality
• merriness
• mirth
• mirthfulness

Examples of merriment in a Sentence

a time of great joy and merriment

Their house was always filled with merriment.

Recent Examples on the Web

In McGee’s hands, expect plenty of laughs, merriment and emotion, as the creator of what is arguably Channel 4’s most influential comedy of the past decade tries her hand once again. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024

As decorative lights sparkle while the sun retreats, and rough winds hustle us to holiday parties indoors, most of us feel some mix of merriment and bleakness. —Amanda Parrish Morgan, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2024

Whether your visions of merriment are glitz and glam or more muted, these holiday decorating ideas from design tastemakers are sure to delight—and inspire. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 20 Dec. 2024

Some people need cookies and carols to start feeling yuletide merriment, while others find holiday cheer by adorning homes inside and out. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

merriment

noun

mer·​ri·​ment ˈmer-i-mənt 

: mirth, fun