Definition of "joy" in English

noun

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

   • a child's joy on Christmas morning
   • It is his joy to walk in the rain.

2. Anything that causes such a feeling.

   • the joys and demands of parenthood

3. Luck or success; a positive outcome.

4. (obsolete) The sign or exhibition of joy; gaiety; merriment; festivity.

interjection

1. (dated, often sarcastic) Expressing appreciation and happiness.

verb

1. (intransitive) To feel joy, to rejoice.

   • 1885, Richard Francis Burton (translator), The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Night 18, “Tale of the Portress,” p. 178, I swore readily enough to this and he joyed with exceeding joy and embraced me round the neck while love for him possessed my whole heart.

2. (transitive, archaic) To enjoy.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To give joy to; to congratulate.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To gladden; to make joyful; to exhilarate.