First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
merry
adjective mer·ry \ˈmer-ē, ˈme-rē\
: very happy and cheerful : feeling or showing joy and happiness
: causing joy and happiness
mer·ri·ermer·ri·est
Full Definition of MERRY
1
archaic : giving pleasure : delightful
2
: full of gaiety or high spirits : mirthful
3
: marked by festivity or gaiety
4
— mer·ri·ly \ˈmer-ə-lē, ˈme-rə-\ adverb
— mer·ri·ness \ˈmer-ē-nəs, ˈme-rē-\ noun
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Origin of MERRY
Middle English mery, from Old English myrge, merge; akin to Old High German murg short — more at brief
Related to MERRY
Synonym Discussion of MERRY
merry, blithe, jocund, jovial, jolly mean showing high spirits or lightheartedness. merry suggests cheerful, joyous, uninhibited enjoyment of frolic or festivity <a merry group of revelers>. blithe suggests carefree, innocent, or even heedless gaiety <arrived late in his usual blithe way>. jocund stresses elation and exhilaration of spirits <singing, dancing, and jocund feasting>. jovial suggests the stimulation of conviviality and good fellowship <dinner put them in a jovial mood>. jolly suggests high spirits expressed in laughing, bantering, and jesting <our jolly host enlivened the party>.
MERRIER Defined for Kids
merry
adjective mer·ry \ˈmer-ē\
mer·ri·ermer·ri·est
Definition of MERRY for Kids
1
: full of joy and good cheer <a merry man>
2
: full of festive celebration and enjoyment <a merry Christmas>
— mer·ri·ly \ˈmer-ə-lē\ adverb
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