1
: the quality or state of being contented
There was a look of contentment on her face.
2
: something that contents
… states that allow their muscles to spoil them and their contentments to enfeeble them. The New Republic

Examples of contentment in a Sentence

He believes that people can find peace and contentment in living simply. There was a look of perfect contentment on her face.
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.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama says there are two ways to reach contentment. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 His gift was something most people spend their lives chasing: contentment. Bailey Richards, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024 Growth has brought enormous contentment and prosperity to the people of developed countries, citizens of developing countries that have embraced the capitalist approach, and, prospectively, to almost the entire world. Jon Moynihan, Fortune Europe, 3 Dec. 2024 The reasons for the behavior aren't fully known, but it is believed to be a sign of contentment and comfort. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contentment 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contentement "satisfaction of a claim or debt," borrowed from Anglo-French, from contenter "to satisfy, content entry 3" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contentment was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near contentment

Cite this Entry

“Contentment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contentment. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

contentment

noun
: freedom from worry or restlessness : peaceful satisfaction

More from Merriam-Webster on contentment

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