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.
Your 7th House of Partnership softens as the Moon arrives, increasing the happiness in one-to-one bonds, platonic or not. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026 Calling off an engagement or a wedding means prioritizing your long-term happiness and wellness over fears of other people’s judgment. Jenny Singer, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026 What is your idea of perfect happiness? Jeff Goldblum, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026 Megan Gorelick, the founder of Megan Gorelick Interiors in Wilmington, Delaware, wanted to go with a paint color that reflected happiness and warmth. Lindsey Mather, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 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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