happy
adjective
delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing.
Trivia Time
What was the original meaning of the word happy?
happy
American
[hap-ee]
/ ˈhæp i /
adjective
-
happier,
comparative
-
happiest
superlative
-
delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing.
I'm so happy to see you!
- Antonyms:
- sad
-
characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy.
a happy mood;
a happy frame of mind.
-
willing to be helpful, as with assistance, a contribution, or participation.
We’ll be happy to bring a couple of salads to the party.
-
favored by fortune; fortunate or lucky.
Our home country is a happy, fruitful land.
- Synonyms:
- prosperous, successful, propitious, favorable
-
(used as part of an expression of good wishes on a special occasion).
Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband.
Happy Birthday, Grandpa!
-
apt or felicitous, as actions, utterances, or ideas.
Their collaboration was a happy accident.
- Synonyms:
- pertinent, opportune, fitting, appropriate
-
obsessed by or quick to use the item indicated (usually used in combination).
He was a trigger-happy gangster.
Everybody is gadget-happy these days.
idioms
happy
1
British
/ ˈhæpɪ /
adjective
-
feeling, showing, or expressing joy; pleased
-
willing
I'd be happy to show you around
-
causing joy or gladness
-
fortunate; lucky
the happy position of not having to work
-
aptly expressed; appropriate
a happy turn of phrase
-
informal (postpositive) slightly intoxicated
interjection
-happy
2
British
combining form
happy
More Idioms
Usage
What is a basic definition of happy? Happy describes a feeling of joy, delight, or glee. It also describes something that is related to or shows joy. Happy can describe someone being willing to do something or be helpful. Happy is used in many expressions that wish good tidings to another person. Happy has a few other senses as an adjective. Happy describes feeling really good, as when a person in a good mood that makes them smile. Happiness refers to this positive emotion. Happily means in a happy way. Real-life examples: Everybody has something that makes them happy. Cute animals, presents, compliments, and loved ones make most people feel happy. Used in a sentence: The surprise birthday party really made Abdul happy. Happy also describes something that shows or is related to feelings of happiness and joy. Used in a sentence: The friendly clown had a happy smile. Happy describes someone being willing to do something, especially to help or assist someone else. They don’t think whatever they will do is a problem or a chore. Real-life examples: Many experts are happy to show off their knowledge. Salespeople are often happy to explain things to customers if it means selling more items. Used in a sentence: I’d be happy to give you a ride to the mall since I was going there anyway. The word happy is used in many greetings and expressions that wish a person well or wish that they have a good future. Used in a sentence: Happy birthday!
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of happy
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Middle English; see origin at hap 1 ( def. ), -y 1 ( def. )
Explanation
Happy is a feeling of joy, pleasure, or good fortune — exactly how you'd feel if you learned that you won the lottery or got accepted into your number one choice of colleges. Happy hails from the Middle English word hap, meaning "good luck." Many of the early European words for happy actually referred to good luck, rather than a feeling of joy. On its own, happy means an enjoyable or satisfied state of being. When hyphenated, it can refer to an overwhelming inclination to do something. Someone who is trigger-happy, for example, has an overwhelming urge to shoot things, while a clothes-happy person is obsessed with taking trips to the mall.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Five years and two more grandkids later, Shapiro, who at 56 is a member of Generation X, said he is happy they made the move when they did.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2026
"But we're getting there putting in place the structures to better deal with that and keep MPs happy."
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
But like other Bill shows, “Rooster” is sad and happy at the same time, so I was trying to write some minor chords that felt like they could have an emotional pull.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
We are increasingly using the technology to help us with job applications, graduates, external and recruiters say, with many employers happy for us to do so within reason.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
“It’s okay. I got it. You start bringing the food out to the table and try to look happy, okay? Don’t stress Dad out.”
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
Gasped Dr. Cook: "Thanks -happy," sank back into a coma.
From Time Magazine Archive
I seem to be happier with my mustache.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
People who believe they are out-earning their peers do appear to be actually happier, according to a 2024 paper circulated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026
The sheriff, now awaiting the delivery of two new squad cars that will be paid for with DHS funds, couldn’t be happier.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
Speaking to MPs, ministers and advisers inside the party, there is no doubt whatsoever that Labour is in a much, much happier place than this time last year.
From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026
“And now,” Mr. Brademas continues, “on to happier matters. It’s time to congratulate our baseball team on their championship season this past spring.”
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
Israel remains among the 10 happiest nations in the world.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
"I think this may be the happiest moment of my life."
From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026
She’s my best friend, and I’m the happiest I have ever been when I’m with her, but I have also never felt so supported and safe, ever.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026
Ruth Jones previously said the series was "one of the happiest jobs" she had ever done and "I love coming back to Wales".
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
The owner was delighted and said it was the happiest day of his life.
From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
