rejoice

verb

re·​joice ri-ˈjȯis How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
rejoiced; rejoicing

transitive verb

: to give joy to : gladden

intransitive verb

: to feel joy or great delight
rejoicer noun
rejoicingly adverb
Phrases
rejoice in

Examples of rejoice in a Sentence

We all rejoiced over our friend's good luck. rejoiced over our unexpected victory on the soccer field
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.
While there is definitely debate on whether or not the graphic videos of Kirk’s death should be shown, those rejoicing in his death are receiving rapid retribution. Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 Not meant to define but to praise, to rejoice in the maker and what has been made, to dare be heard as a whisper or a shout in this immense world. Natalie Diaz september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 But before rejoicing, consider what might be a kind of gas price dilemma. Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Two runs scored, and the Dodgers walked off the field with a 4-3 loss as the home crowd rejoiced. Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rejoice

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French rejois-, stem of rejoier, rejoir, from re- + joir to welcome, enjoy, from Latin gaudēre to be glad — more at joy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rejoice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rejoice. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rejoice

verb
re·​joice ri-ˈjȯis How to pronounce rejoice (audio)
rejoiced; rejoicing
1
: to give joy to : gladden
news that rejoices the heart
2
: to feel joy or great delight
rejoice over a friend's good luck
rejoicer noun
rejoicingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on rejoice

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