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adjective

jubilant

JOO-bih-luhnt

Jubilant (adjective) means feeling or showing great, open happiness, usually after a success. Example: “Jubilant supporters spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle.”

adjective
1
Feeling or showing great, open happiness, usually after a success.
"Jubilant supporters spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle."
"She was jubilant when the results came through."

How to Use Jubilant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely happy and showing it, usually because you have won or succeeded.

When to use it

Neutral; very common in news and sports reporting.

Memory tip

Journalists use 'jubilant scenes' as a set phrase for public celebration; it is a safe and idiomatic collocation.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
jubilant crowd jubilant scenes jubilant celebration jubilant fans
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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ supporters spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle.

Etymology

From Latin jubilans, the present participle of jubilare, meaning to shout for joy.

Origin: Latin

elated triumphant exultant overjoyed rapturous

Antonyms

despondent crestfallen dejected

Related Words

Rhymes for jubilant

See all rhymes for jubilant →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between jubilant and happy?

Jubilant is far stronger and almost always follows a victory, escape or piece of very good news. It is also outward and noisy, whereas happiness can be quiet and ongoing.

Can a person be jubilant about something small?

It would sound overblown. Jubilant suits election wins, exam results, promotions and sporting triumphs — moments people celebrate openly rather than everyday contentment.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial