joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
a joyful crowd
joyful faces
a joyful occasion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful
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.
From vibrant vases to bold candle holders, this playful line brings a joyful spin to festive gatherings. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025 Through healing spaces rooted in rites of passage, fatherhood circles, and creative expression, Cooper is reframing mental health care as joyful, community-centered, and culturally resonant. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 His voice took a few beats to settle, but in the meantime who wouldn’t be captivated by Martin’s joyful skips, knee bends, winks and grins? Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 Travel can be joyful, healing, and liberating, but only if everyone gets to take the journey. AFAR Media, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective
joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy
a joyful family reunion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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