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).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
happily adv. happiness n.
Etymology: ME f. HAP + -Y(1)