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.
Joe has feelings for Georgia but swallows them for her happiness. Erin Jensen, USA Today, 6 June 2025 Rather than unmitigated communion, which describes putting others first while sacrificing your happiness and well-being, other-centeredness is based on the philosophical idea that everyone’s needs are equally valuable and that interpersonal connections matter deeply. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 In late May, Caring.com released its Senior Happiness Index to determine which places around the U.S. offer the highest chances of finding happiness for older people. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025 My wish for all of you this year is health, happiness, and an abundance of love. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 3 June 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 11 Jun. 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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