gaiety
GAY-uh-tee
Gaiety (noun) means a cheerful, lighthearted mood; happiness. Example: “There was an air of gaiety at the wedding reception.”
noun
1
A cheerful, lighthearted mood; happiness.
"There was an air of gaiety at the wedding reception."
"Her natural gaiety made her popular at parties."
2
Cheerful celebration or festivity.
"The town square was full of music and gaiety during the festival."
How to use gaiety
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCheerfulness and festive fun.
When to use it
A slightly old-fashioned, literary word — most modern speech would just say "cheerfulness" or "fun."
Common pairings
an air of gaiety
youthful gaiety
the gaiety of the occasion
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Word forms
- Plural
- gaieties
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There was an air of _____ at the wedding reception.
Etymology
From Middle French gaieté, built on gai ("gay, merry") — the same root as the English word "gay."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for gaiety
See all rhymes for gaiety →Frequently asked questions
What does “gaiety” mean?
The word “gaiety” means a cheerful, lighthearted mood; happiness. In plain terms, cheerfulness and festive fun.
How do you pronounce “gaiety”?
“Gaiety” is pronounced GAY-uh-tee (/ˈɡeɪ.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “gaiety” in a sentence?
Here is “gaiety” used in a sentence: “There was an air of gaiety at the wedding reception.”
What part of speech is “gaiety”?
“Gaiety” is a noun.
Where does the word “gaiety” come from?
The word “gaiety” comes from Middle French. From Middle French gaieté, built on gai ("gay, merry") — the same root as the English word "gay.".
How many meanings does “gaiety” have?
“Gaiety” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cheerful, lighthearted mood; happiness.
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