merriment

Everyday

1. Happy fun, laughter and enjoyment, especially when people are together celebrating. tree →
2. Amusement: «his mistake caused much merriment». tree →

In the lessons

In stories and old-fashioned writing, merriment is the jolly fun at feasts, parties, Christmas and weddings. It tells the reader everyone is happy and laughing. In everyday speech it is a bit formal or playful. Phrases: «much merriment», «festive merriment», «eyes twinkling with merriment».

Examples

• There was great merriment at the Christmas party. tree →
• The village feast was full of music and merriment. tree →
• Grandpa's eyes twinkled with merriment. tree →
• My silly hat caused much merriment. tree →
• The fair was a place of merriment and games. tree →
• Their merriment echoed down the street. tree →
• After the win, the team's merriment lasted all evening. tree →
• Robin Hood and his merry men lived with laughter and merriment. tree →
• In the room the Christmas tree was lit, and there were song and merriment. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «much merriment», not «a merriment». From «merry» + «-ment». Spelling: merr-i-ment (y changes to i). Not a maths word.