adjective
merry
MAIR-ee/ˈmeri/
Cheerful and full of good spirits.
The merry woman takes a lively step as she dances.
Etymology
Old English myrge described things that gave pleasure, including music and the natural world. The modern sense probably developed through “pleased by a situation,” shifting toward a person's cheerful disposition.
In context
a large, cheery, red-faced man, with a forked beard, riding upon a good horse and exchanging a nod or a merry word with all who passed him.
More examples
- Merry laughter fills the kitchen as we prepare dinner.
- We wish our neighbors a merry Christmas.
- The party grows merrier when the musicians arrive.
- Even after the long journey, our guide remains merry.
Forms
merry · merrier · merriest
merrily adverb — in a cheerful, lively way
merriment noun — lively enjoyment, laughter, and good humor