The wish joins happy, meaning full of joy, with birthday, the yearly return of the day someone was born.
Birthday wish
social
neutral
Said to wish someone a pleasant birthday.
Examples
- Happy birthday, Mia! I hope you have a lovely day.
- The children sang happy birthday before cutting the cake.
- I wrote happy birthday inside the card.
- "Happy birthday, Grandpa," she said on the phone.
- They sent him a message saying happy birthday.
Similar words
many happy returns
have a great birthday