Quick answer
Jolly means cheerful and merry; in some uses, very or rather. It is usually pronounced JOL-ee, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Jolly
Jolly describes someone or something that is cheerful and merry; in some uses, very or rather. It belongs to delightfully whimsical words and works best in playful descriptions, family writing, and cheerful narration. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
whimsicalplayfulcheerful
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is jolly, it is cheerful and merry; in some uses, very or rather. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits playful descriptions, family writing, and cheerful narration so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Jolly feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Jolly is generally traced to from older senses connected with festivity and lively good humor. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Jolly is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively jolly.
- One jolly remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a jolly uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His jolly tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is jolly.
When should you use this word?
Use jolly when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful descriptions, family writing, and cheerful narration.
Similar words
Bonkers, Bubbly, Jabber, Jabbernowl, Jackanapes
Opposite or contrasting words
flat description, severe language, technical wording
Common questions
- What does jolly mean? Cheerful and merry; in some uses, very or rather.
- How do you pronounce jolly? It is commonly pronounced JOL-ee.
- Is jolly still used today? Jolly is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use jolly? Use jolly when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful descriptions, family writing, and cheerful narration.
- What words are similar to jolly? Similar words include Bonkers, Bubbly, Jabber, and Jabbernowl.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.