adj. (happier, happiest) 1 feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. 2 a fortunate; characterized by happiness. b (of words, behaviour, etc.) apt, pleasing. 3 colloq. slightly drunk. 4 (in comb.) colloq. inclined to use excessively or at random (trigger-happy). happy as a sandboy see SANDBOY. happy event colloq. the birth of a child. happy families a card-game the object of which is to acquire four members of the same 'family'. happy-go-lucky cheerfully casual. happy hour esp. US a period of the day when drinks are sold at reduced prices in bars, hotels, etc. happy hunting-ground a place where success or enjoyment is obtained. happy medium a compromise; the avoidance of extremes. happily adv. happiness n.
[ ME f. HAP + -Y(1) ]