gleeful

adjective

glee·​ful ˈglē-fəl How to pronounce gleeful (audio)
Synonyms of gleefulnext
: full of glee : merry
gleeful laughter
gleefully adverb
gleefulness noun

Examples of gleeful in a Sentence

the gleeful atmosphere that envelops the host city of the Super Bowl
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.
Here, that flattening extends to the film’s overly polished setting, where Bargatze and Lagana’s gleeful script unfolds against a wildly generic version of suburban Tennessee. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 May 2026 There’s also a gleeful sequence where the six members of the virtuosic onstage band swan around in polyester housecoats and peroxide wigs, all representing H’s childhood piano teacher, Doris, a woman who toured with Horowitz and sounds like Foghorn Leghorn with a pack-a-day Virginia Slims habit. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 May 2026 From the gleeful anticipation of lifting the Premier League trophy on the final day last May to the absurdity of nervously looking over their shoulder at Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth with the finish line in sight 12 months on. James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Through gleeful anarchy, a variety of filters, and a kinetic score, the two Maries spoil themselves with sweets, outwit suitors, and desecrate the rituals of fine dining in a glorious climax of rebellion. Jennifer Noyes, Air Mail, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleeful

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gleeful was in 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Gleeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gleeful. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

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