happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
Synonyms of happiness
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.
Andy gets a decent if colorless new love interest (Patrick Brammall), who works as a real-estate contractor, and even Miranda has found stability and happiness with the latest of her many husbands (Kenneth Branagh). Justin Chang, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026 Lorenzo Lamas has found happiness. Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 For her, that's family, health and happiness. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 Their encounter sparks a reflective journey into whether life offers second chances at happiness. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 1 May. 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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