Search Dictionary
Definition of gaily

gaily

/ˈɡeɪ.li/
gai · ly
Adjective:gay
JUMP TO:

gaily Lexical Profile

gaily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a cheerful, lighthearted, or merry manner.

Example

"The children laughed gaily as they chased soap bubbles across the sunlit lawn."

2

With bright, vivid, or showy colors and decorations.

Example

"The market stalls were gaily decorated with colorful paper lanterns and silk ribbons for the festival."

3

In a careless, unthinking, or offhand way, without considering the consequences.

Example

"He gaily assumed that the complex project would finish on time without any additional budget."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gaily
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gaily

Word Nuance & Usage

Unlike the base adjective 'gay', which in contemporary usage primarily refers to sexual orientation, 'gaily' retains its traditional literary meanings of 'cheerfully', 'brightly', or 'thoughtlessly' and is mainly encountered in formal or older literature.

• Rhymes for gaily

• Nearby Words

gaia
gaiety
gaillardia
gaily
gain
gainer
gainesville

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as gayly, from the adjective gay (borrowed from Old French gai, meaning 'joyful' or 'merry') plus the adverbial suffix -ly.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gaily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gaily
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.