(merrier, merriest)
1.
If you describe someone’s character or behaviour as ~, you mean that they are happy and cheerful. (OLD-FASHIONED)
From the house come the bursts of ~ laughter...
= jolly
ADJ
merrily
Chris threw back his head and laughed merrily.
ADV: ADV after v
2.
If you get ~, you get slightly drunk. (BRIT INFORMAL)
They went off to Glengarriff to get ~.
= tipsy
ADJ: v-link ADJ
3.
Some people use ~ to emphasize something that they are saying, often when they want to express disapproval or humour.
It hasn’t stopped the British Navy proceeding on its ~ way...
ADJ: ADJ n emphasis
4.
see also merrily
5.
Just before Christmas and on Christmas Day, people say ‘Merry Christmas’ to other people to express the hope that they will have a happy time.
Merry Christmas, everyone...
I just wanted to wish you a ~ Christmas...
CONVENTION formulae
6.
to play ~ hell: see hell