First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1joy
noun \ˈjȯi\
: a feeling of great happiness
: a source or cause of great happiness : something or someone that gives joy to someone
: success in doing, finding, or getting something
Full Definition of JOY
1
2
: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3
: a source or cause of delight
— joy·less \-ləs\ adjective
— joy·less·ly adverb
— joy·less·ness noun
See joy defined for English-language learners
See joy defined for kids
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Origin of JOY
Middle English, from Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice
Related to JOY
- Synonyms
- beatitude, blessedness, bliss, blissfulness, felicity, gladness, happiness, warm fuzzies
- Antonyms
- calamity, ill-being, misery, sadness, unhappiness, wretchedness
2joy
verb
Definition of JOY
intransitive verb
: to experience great pleasure or delight : rejoice
transitive verb
1
archaic : gladden
2
archaic : enjoy
First Known Use of JOY
14th century
JOYLESSLY Defined for Kids
joy
noun \ˈjȯi\
Definition of JOY for Kids
1
: a feeling of pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being
2
: something that gives pleasure or happiness <It's a joy to have you visit.>
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