joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
Synonyms of joyfulnext
: 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.
Usually, coming together in Charlotte for the Persian New Year is joyful. Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026 Much of it was written in a single week, often alongside producer Jeff Gritty, with sessions built around joyful emulation. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Celebrating New Year’s Eve in one place reinforced that sense of belonging and marked a joyful transition into the new year. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026 Involve your family in celebrating with laughter and joyful mischief. Amanda Rock, Parents, 16 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster