English Reference

Word

merry

Phoneticsmer·ry, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈmɛɹi/

UK/mˈɛɹi/

Definitions

01happy and cheerful

B1 · Intermediate

adj. happy, cheerful, and full of high spirits.

adj. characterised by high spirits, joy, or a cheerful disposition.

“The children were in a merry mood as they played in the park.”

“The sound of merry laughter echoed through the halls, signaling that the celebration was well underway.”

Synonyms

cheerfuljollyjoyful

Antonyms

miserablegloomy

02festive

A2 · Elementary

adj. full of fun and laughter, especially during a holiday or party.

adj. relating to or suitable for a feast or festival; festive in character.

“We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

“The town square was transformed into a merry marketplace filled with seasonal decorations and music.”

Synonyms

festiveconvivial

03slightly drunk

B2 · Upper Intermediate Humorous · Informal · British English

adj. feeling happy and relaxed because you have drunk some alcohol.

adj. a euphemistic term for being slightly intoxicated or tipsy.

“After two glasses of wine, he was feeling quite merry.”

“The wedding guests became increasingly merry as the champagne continued to flow throughout the evening.”

Usage

Usually follows the verb 'to be' or 'to feel'.

Synonyms

tipsyjolly

Antonyms

sober

Idioms

01. go on one's merry way

02. merry Andrew

03. merry dance

04. merry men

05. play merry havoc with

06. play merry hell with

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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