Joy

/dʒɔɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
She felt a sense of joy as she watched her children play in the park.
A source or cause of great happiness.
The birth of her first grandchild brought her immeasurable joy.
A state of happiness or contentment.
His face was full of joy when he received the good news.
verb
To experience or display joy.
They joyed in the success of their team.

Etymology

Middle English 'joie', from Old French 'joie', from Latin 'gaudia', plural of 'gaudium' which means 'joy'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

joy of living
The happiness derived from simply being alive.
jump for joy
To express extreme happiness.
a joy to behold
Something that is pleasing to look at.

Related Words

enjoyment
The state of taking joy or pleasure in something.
glee
A feeling of happiness or delight.
ecstasy
An overwhelming feeling of great joy or bliss.

Slang Meanings

Joyride
He took his friend's car for a joyride around the neighborhood.
Joyful
She felt joyful when she got the promotion.