glee

noun

ˈglē How to pronounce glee (audio)
Synonyms of glee
1
: exultant high-spirited joy : merriment
dancing with glee
2
: a part-song for usually male voices

Synonyms of glee

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Examples of glee in a Sentence

They were dancing with glee. He could hardly contain his glee over his victory.
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.
Aegon cackles with glee as Tyland ducks to the ground and his enemies snap, crackle, pop in the night. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 To the director’s glee, modern audiences may be more uncomfortable with Erika and Elliot’s lopsided power dynamic than the sight of sweet-faced Hoffman in a pig mask and panties. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Neither his Democratic critics nor the Republicans who seem to be awaiting his nomination with glee are apt to make that distinction for Michigan voters. — Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 Social media exploded with stories of glee, even emanating from funeral services. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for glee

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English glēo entertainment, music; akin to Old Norse glȳ joy, and perhaps to Greek chleuē joke

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of glee was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing glee

Rhymes for glee

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Browse Nearby Words

Gleditsia
glee
glee club
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Cite this Entry

“Glee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glee. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

glee

noun
ˈglē How to pronounce glee (audio)
1
: high-spirited joy
2
: an unaccompanied song for three or more voices
gleeful
-fəl
adjective
gleefully
-fə-lē
adverb
gleefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on glee

Nglish: Translation of glee for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glee

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