happiness
noun
hap·pi·ness
ˈha-pē-nəs 
1
a
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy
b
: a pleasurable or satisfying experience
I wish you every happiness in life.
I had the happiness of seeing you—
W. S. Gilbert
W. S. Gilbert3
obsolete
: good fortune : prosperity
All happiness bechance to thee …—William Shakespeare
William ShakespeareExamples of happiness in a Sentence
They made a toast to long life and happiness.
her happiness was complete when she got her very own house
Recent Examples on the Web
Share a story from your childhood or help a child with a project, allowing youthful happiness to exist freely.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Jessica Weiss is a happiness expert, executive coach, and TEDx speaker.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
There are a lot of studies that show that cultivating any emotional state — happiness in particular, but also calmness or lack of anxiety — actually backfires.
—Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Regular physical activity and a quality night’s sleep contribute to one’s overall health and happiness.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happiness
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Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Jessica Weiss is a happiness expert, executive coach, and TEDx speaker.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
There are a lot of studies that show that cultivating any emotional state — happiness in particular, but also calmness or lack of anxiety — actually backfires.
—Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Regular physical activity and a quality night’s sleep contribute to one’s overall health and happiness.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happiness
Cite this Entry
“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
happiness
noun
hap·pi·ness
ˈhap-i-nəs
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy
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