joy·ful \ˈjȯifəl\adjective (sometimesjoyfullersometimesjoyfullest) Etymology: Middle English, from joye, joy + -ful : marked by joy: a.: experiencing pleasure or delight : happy, jubilant < a mother who is joyful on the return of her lost son > b.: bringing or causing joy < joyful news > : inspiring joy < a joyful occasion > c.: showing joy < a joyful countenance > Synonyms:see glad