Definition and meaning of English word "joy"
joy
/dʒɔɪ/
Meaning
NounA feeling of extreme happiness or cheerfulness, especially related to the acquisition or expectation of something good.
How to use
Joy is often used to describe a feeling of happiness that is intense and uncontainable, often related to achieving a long-held goal or experiencing a significant life event. For example, 'The crowd erupted in joy when the home team scored the winning goal.' Note that joy can be confused with happiness, but while happiness is a general feeling of contentment, joy is a more intense and celebratory emotion. In formal writing, it's worth noting that joy is often used in the plural form, as in 'The joy of giving is a feeling that many people experience during the holiday season.'
🇬🇧 English
joy
Example
I feel joy when I'm with my friends.
I see joy in her smile.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- feel joy— to experience a feeling of happiness or pleasure
- share joy— to experience or express happiness or pleasure with others
- find joy— to discover or experience happiness or pleasure
- spread joy— to cause or express happiness or pleasure to others
- lose joy— to experience a loss of happiness or pleasure
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #159 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "joy" mean?▼
The English word "joy" means "joy" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "joy"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "joy" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "joy"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I feel joy when I'm with my friends." (which translates as "joy").
More Abstract Concepts words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →