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 a world where indie bookstores are cultural anchors, Cupid’s stands out as a bold and joyful celebration of love in all its forms. American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 Designers like Emily Dawn Long, KUR, and Heirlome brought new energy to the conversation, while Area’s joyful shift in direction added a sense of play and possibility. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 Iryna Zarutska's friends have posted a tribute video showing some of the joyful moments in her life before she was killed on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 Without safety-first thinking embedded into the mechanics of these platforms, kids are left vulnerable in spaces that should be joyful and creative. Edna Martinson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 20 Sep. 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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