1
a
: in a fortunate manner
b
: as it fortunately happens
happily, some boyhood pleasures don't change—
P. A. Witteman
P. A. Witteman2
archaic
: by chance
3
: in a happy manner or state
4
: in an adequate or fitting manner : successfully
Examples of happily in a Sentence
They have been happily married for 12 years.
They lived happily ever after.
We happily accept credit cards.
Recent Examples on the Web
Best Pottery Barn Outdoor Lighting Deals Adding a touch of lighting to your yard can instantly enhance the mood, and keeps the summertime patio conversations with friends and family happily carry longer into the evening.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
In video footage of his first day back on the job, Freddie behaves confidently, assessing the airport terminal happenings, rising on his hind legs to sniff a mountain of luggage and happily snarfing a treat.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 13 July 2025
There are many varieties of marigold, cosmos, zinnia, and some other beautiful cut flower varieties that could happily take up some space and lend their services to some late season table arrangements for you.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
In the film, the family is witnessing a newer romance, but in real life, many of the cast members have been happily married for several years.
—Ariana Quihuiz, People.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for happily
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Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
In video footage of his first day back on the job, Freddie behaves confidently, assessing the airport terminal happenings, rising on his hind legs to sniff a mountain of luggage and happily snarfing a treat.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 13 July 2025
There are many varieties of marigold, cosmos, zinnia, and some other beautiful cut flower varieties that could happily take up some space and lend their services to some late season table arrangements for you.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
In the film, the family is witnessing a newer romance, but in real life, many of the cast members have been happily married for several years.
—Ariana Quihuiz, People.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for happily
Cite this Entry
“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happily. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
happily
adverb
hap·pi·ly
ˈhap-ə-lē 
1
: in a fortunate or lucky manner
happily, no one was injured
2
: in a happy manner or state
lived happily ever after
3
: in a fitting, effective, or successful manner
remarks happily worded
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