emoji

American  

[ih-moh-jee] / ɪˈmoʊ dʒi /

noun

plural

emoji, emojis

1. Digital Technology. a small digital picture or pictorial symbol that represents a thing, feeling, concept, etc., used in text messages and other electronic communications and usually part of a standardized set.

   She texted me an emoji of “money with wings,” which probably means she’s out shopping.

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Etymology

Origin of emoji

First recorded in 1990–95; from Japanese: literally, “pictograph,” equivalent to e “picture, drawing” + moji “(written) character, letter”; kaomoji ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does emoji compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• emoticon vs. emoji

Example Sentences

Co-founder and CEO Jenny Goodman said she received an all-caps message with a smiling, tearful emoji from her director of operations after the ruling.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Everyone else locked hands. @ChatGPTapp and @claudeai kept it strictly professional," he said on X along with a winking face emoji.

From Barron's

“I definitely don’t look like an angel,” the prime minister wrote on Instagram, adding a laughing emoji.

From The Wall Street Journal

British journalist Piers Morgan, who delights in needling Australia, posted his condolences along with a prayer emoji on social media: "My thoughts with @CricketAus at this very difficult time."

From Barron's

The photo was shared with the caption "Happy Valentine's Day" along with a heart emoji.

From BBC