Joy

/d͡ʒɔɪ/ · noun

Meaning

A feeling of extreme happiness or cheerfulness, especially related to the acquisition or expectation of something good..

Definitions by Sense

1. A feeling of extreme happiness or cheerfulness, especially related to the acquisition or expectation of something good.
2. Anything that causes such a feeling.
3. Luck or success; a positive outcome.
4. (obsolete) The sign or exhibition of joy; gaiety; merriment; festivity.
5. (dated, often sarcastic) Expressing appreciation and happiness.
6. (intransitive) To feel joy, to rejoice.
7. (transitive, archaic) To enjoy.
8. (transitive, obsolete) To give joy to; to congratulate.

Example Sentences

a child's joy on Christmas morning

It is his joy to walk in the rain.

[…]purſued his vnneighbourly purpoſe in ſuch ſort: that hee being the ſtronger perſwader, and ſhe (belike) too credulous in beleeuing or elſe ouer-feeble in reſiſting, from priuate imparlance, they fell to action; and continued their cloſe fight a long while together, vnſeene and vvithout ſuſpition, no doubt to their equall ioy and contentment.

It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.

the joys and demands of parenthood

For, ye are our glory and ioy.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Grant had no joy with taking a nap, so he began to systematically feel if everything was working: fingers and toes, etc.

Synonyms for joy

Antonyms for joy

Related Words

Word Forms

• joys
• joying
• joyed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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