jolly

The definition of jolly is someone happy or cheerful, or someone or something that is lively and entertaining.

(adjective)

  1. A cheerful Santa Clause figure is an example of someone who would be described as jolly.
  2. A fun night at the pub is an example of something that might be described as a jolly time.

To jolly is defined as to prod someone along or encourage something or someone in a friendly way, or to make something more cheerful and fun.

(verb)

  1. When you use a good-natured and cheerful voice to prod guests at a party to move from one room to another, this is an example of a time when you jolly them along.
  2. When you put on music at a dull party to make it more fun and cheerful, this is an example of a time when youjolly.

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See jolly in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective jollier, jolliest

  1. full of high spirits and good humor; merry
  2. Informal enjoyable; pleasant

Origin: ME joli < OFr, prob. < ON jol, yule

adverb jollier, jolliest

Brit., Informal very; altogether

transitive verb, intransitive verb jollied, jollying

☆ to try to make (a person) feel good or agreeable, as by coaxing or flattering: often with along

noun pl. jollies

Brit., Informal a British marine

Related Forms:

See jolly in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective jol·li·er, jol·li·est
  1. Full of good humor and high spirits.
  2. Exhibiting or occasioning happiness or mirth; cheerful: a jolly tune.
  3. Greatly pleasing; enjoyable: had a jolly time.
adverb
Chiefly British
To a great extent or degree; extremely.
verb jol·lied, jol·ly·ing, jol·lies
verb, transitive
To keep amused or diverted for one's own purposes; humor.
verb, intransitive
To amuse oneself with humorous banter.
noun pl. jol·lies
  1. Chiefly British A good or festive time.
  2. jollies Slang Amusement; kicks: However you get your jollies is fine with me.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English joli

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , perhaps of Scandinavian origin

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Related Forms:

  • jolˈli·ly adverb
  • jolˈli·ness noun

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