happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
Synonyms of happinessnext
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 youW. S. Gilbert
2
: felicity, aptness
a striking happiness of expression
3
obsolete : good fortune : prosperity
All happiness bechance to thee …William Shakespeare

Examples 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
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.
There is an alarming decline in youth happiness and the rise in anxiety and depression, especially among young women, is tied to the central role technology plays in the lives of our youth. Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 28 May 2026 Finnish diver Mikko Paasi, who is part of the rescue operation, expressed his happiness at locating five of the trapped. Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 27 May 2026 Despite outward signs of happiness and success, Chuck’s struggles with mental health were invisible to almost everyone around him — even his wife and brother had not realized the severity of his difficulties. Ace The Stigma Foundation, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026 Rather than an all-or-nothing early retirement, the Retire Sooner Method aims to help people find the sweet spot where money and happiness intersect. Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for happiness

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of happiness was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

happiness

noun
hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

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