gaiety

Definition

The state of being happy or merry.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French gaieté, from gai. By surface analysis, gay + -ety.

Example Sentences

• "There was much gaiety at the ball."
• "The decorations added greatly to the gaiety of the room."
• "During the present gayety of the house, however, the poor girl has gone about with a face full of trouble, and to use the housekeeper's words, "has fallen into a sad hystericky way lately.""