joyful

[ joi-fuhl ]

/ ˈdʒɔɪ fəl /

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adjective

full of joy, as a person or one's heart; glad; delighted.

showing or expressing joy, as looks, actions, or speech.

causing or bringing joy, as an event, a sight, or news; delightful: the joyful announcement of their marriage.

Nearby words

joyance, joyce, joyce, james, joyce, william, joycean, joyful, joyfully, joyless, joylessly, joyner, joyner-kersee

Origin of joyful

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at joy, -ful

SYNONYMS FOR joyful

1 joyous, happy, blithe; buoyant, elated, jubilant. See gay.

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ANTONYMS FOR joyful

1 melancholy.

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Related forms

joy·ful·ly, adverbjoy·ful·ness, nouno·ver·joy·ful, adjectiveo·ver·joy·ful·ly, adverb

o·ver·joy·ful·ness, nounun·joy·ful, adjectiveun·joy·ful·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for joyful

On the night of January 9th, 2011, Juba was the most joyful place on earth.
Confronting George Clooney’s Critics on South Sudan|John Avlon|October 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Rather ironically, the models seemed much more at ease—in fact, joyful—than any of the passersby.
Naked on a New York Street—for Art|Emily Shire|September 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It transforms the protest into a joyful celebratory atmosphere that is hard to control.
Why the Left Protests Better: A History of ‘Disobedient Objects’|Nico Hines|July 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Comrades, some of the associations of this day are not only triumphant, but joyful.
The Real Memorial Day: Oliver Wendell Holmes's Salute To A Momentous American Anniversary|Malcolm Jones|May 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Our parish is alive, joyful, and full of faith, hope, and charity.
As 2014 Began, a Fateful Path to a Catholic Priest’s Murder|Michael Daly|January 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Would not the sudden shock, joyful though it was, upset the fragile little beauty?
The King of Schnorrers|Israel Zangwill
A quick step, a joyful shout, and the two were face to face, with hand clasped in hand.
Raftmates|Kirk Munroe
Her punishment was submitted to Leucippus, who was now, with joyful acclaims, saluted as the rightful Duke of Lycia.
The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb|Charles Lamb
Both of these royal ladies came here as brides and both were received with joyful acclamations at Amboise.
In Chteau Land|Anne Hollingsworth Wharton
She seemed lifted in the air, thrilled and afloat, holding to the “Single Star” in joyful hope of Southern rights.
From Manassas to Appomattox|James Longstreet

British Dictionary definitions for joyful

joyful

/ (ˈdʒɔɪfʊl) /

adjective

full of joy; elated

expressing or producing joya joyful look; a joyful occasion

Derived Formsjoyfully, adverbjoyfulness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for joyful

joyful

adj.

mid-13c., from joy + -ful. Related: Joyfully; joyfulness.

joyful

adjective

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Nearby words

Origin of joyful

Examples from the Web for joyful

British Dictionary definitions for joyful

joyful

adjective

Word Origin and History for joyful

joyful