Cheery means noticeably happy and pleasant in a way that lifts the mood of people around you. A cheery person greets you with a genuine smile and an upbeat “Good morning!” that makes you feel welcome. A cheery room might have bright yellow walls, sunshine streaming through the windows, and colorful flowers on the table.

The word suggests more than just being happy inside. When you're cheery, your good mood shows outwardly and affects others. A cheery librarian makes the library feel inviting. A cheery letter from a friend brightens your day because you can feel their warmth and enthusiasm through their words.

Some people are naturally cheery in the morning, while others need time to wake up before they feel sociable. You might describe someone's voice as cheery, or notice the cheery jingle of bells on a shop door. The word often describes something that's bright, optimistic, and welcoming, like a cheery fire crackling in the fireplace on a cold day.