adj.
Pronunciation: ' mer- ē , ' me-r ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: mer · ri · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English mery, from Old English myrge, merge; akin to Old High German murg short ― more at BRIEF
Date: before 12th century
1 archaic : giving pleasure : DELIGHTFUL
2 : full of gaiety or high spirits : MIRTHFUL
3 : marked by festivity or gaiety
4 : QUICK , BRISK <a merry pace>
– mer · ri · ly \ ' mer- ə -l ē , ' me-r ə - \ adverb
– mer · ri · ness \ ' mer- ē -n ə s, ' me-r ē - \ noun
synonyms 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>.