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.
Everybody in the movie was very joyful. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 20 May 2026 The products and packaging are so fun and joyful with the touch of luxury, and this is something so unique to Marc. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 Technicalities aside, this style comes in 15 colorways that span natural woods to joyful saffron and sage hues. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 18 May 2026 Brazilians are known for their joyful style of play and pulling off spectacular tricks such as a bicycle kick, said Carlini, who hopes his team will end the dry spell this year. ABC News, 18 May 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 22 May. 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

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