# merry

/ˈmɛɹi/ (US) · /mˈɛɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/merry
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. happy and cheerful

adjective · CEFR B1

happy, cheerful, and full of high spirits.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. festive

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. slightly drunk

adjective · CEFR B2 · Humorous · Informal · British English

feeling happy and relaxed because you have drunk some alcohol.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The children were very merry as they played in the snow.
- The sound of merry laughter drifted from the kitchen where the family was preparing the holiday feast.
- Despite the cold wind outside, the tavern was filled with merry travelers sharing stories and warm drinks by the fire.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.