happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈha-pē-nəs 

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 you

—W. S. Gilbert

2

: felicity, aptness

a striking happiness of expression

3

obsolete : good fortune : prosperity

all happiness bechance to thee

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

• beatitude
• blessedness
• bliss
• blissfulness
• felicity
• gladness
• joy
• warm fuzzies

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

This dimension includes positive outcomes such as happiness, positivity, satisfaction and high self-esteem as well as negative outcomes such as depression, negative emotions, relationship issues, stress and susceptibility to disorders like anxiety, addiction and mood or personality disorders. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

In fact, second shots at happiness are fully in the zeitgeist. —Nora Dahlia, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Furthermore, a good friend isn’t going to try to control your behavior or block you from romantic happiness. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Dec. 2024

Go ahead, step outside in all of these options for water-resistant happiness. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see happy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

happiness

noun

hap·​pi·​ness ˈhap-i-nəs 

: a state of well-being and contentment : joy