happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
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 theeWilliam 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.
In a close-up, her weary face begins to light up with happiness, a hope that this is only temporary, and she’ll be reunited with her mother soon. Barry Levitt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025 For me, happiness in the long run includes a family—hopefully with two or three daughters. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 The Handmaid’s Tale hasn’t exactly been the kind of show that has delivered too much in the way of happiness, so fans were excited to see one happy reunion for June. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2025 The answer, of course, isn’t as simple as actual, unadulterated happiness. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Happiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

happiness

noun
hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs How to pronounce happiness (audio)
: a state of well-being and contentment : joy

More from Merriam-Webster on happiness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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