joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
a joyful crowd
joyful faces
a joyful occasion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful
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.
In an emotional moment, his family celebrated the joyful occasion and were seen jumping and hugging one another. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The joyful reunion made everyone in the room smile, leaving no doubt that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Allison Moses, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 This playful, colorful apartment block designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser ignores straight lines entirely and proves that architecture can be joyful rebellion. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025 But whether having a dog or cat actually boosts life satisfaction—or if more relaxed, joyful people simply tend to have pets—has remained a mystery. Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective
joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy
a joyful family reunion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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