noun

gaiety

GAY-uh-tee/ˈɡeɪəti/

A feeling or atmosphere of cheerful liveliness.

Gaiety fills the air as the women laugh and dance.

Two women laughing and dancing together beneath a short strand of colorful bunting, visibly sharing lively festive pleasure.

Etymology

Gaiety names the state of being gai—cheerful or merry. It preserves the joyful sense also found in older English gay, making festive pleasure central to the word.

In context

Libranima279:37

some dancing, others singing, others playing the various instruments already mentioned. In short, it seemed as though mirth and gaiety were frisking and gambolling all over the meadow.

Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 3 of 4

More examples

There is an unexpected note of gaiety in his voice.
Bright scarves add a touch of gaiety to her winter outfits.
Her forced gaiety cannot hide her worry about tomorrow.
The band's playful music brings gaiety to the crowded square.

Forms

gaiety

Similar words

mirth: Emphasizes amusement and laughter rather than a festive mood.
joviality: Emphasizes friendly good humor, especially in someone's manner.
delight: Can describe quiet pleasure without outward liveliness or celebration.