The greeting combines happy, meaning joyful, with New Year, the beginning of a calendar year.
New Year greeting
social
neutral
Said to wish someone well as a new year begins.
Examples
- Happy New Year, everyone!
- We called our parents at midnight to say happy New Year.
- She wrote happy New Year at the end of her card.
- "Happy New Year!" the neighbours shouted across the street.
- At the party, friends hugged and wished one another happy New Year.
Similar words
best wishes for the new year
have a wonderful new year