emoji

American  

[ih-moh-jee] / ɪˈmoʊ dʒi /

noun

emojis plural

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”; cf. kaomoji ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

• emoticon vs. emoji

Explanation

An emoji is a small icon or picture that represents an object, emotion, or reaction in a text message. On your best friend's birthday, you might text them the birthday cake, balloon, and shooting star emojis. The earliest emojis were available on Japanese cell phones in 1997. These simple pixelated images were modeled on manga art and appeared in shades of gray. Over time, emojis have become more complex and colorful — you can now send emojis that include an ear of corn, a squid, clapping hands, and a pair of scissors. The Japanese emoji translates as "character picture," and was first used in English around 2008.

Example Sentences

One of his more triumphant gags involved the rollout of an emoji with a raised eyebrow resembling one of Colbert’s signature looks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Sharing the image on social media, Kensington Palace wrote: 'Wishing Charlotte a very happy 11th birthday!' followed by a cake emoji.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Megan announced the news on Instagram alongside a bandaged heart emoji and said she would step away from the production Friday rather than the originally slated May 17.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

"TWO KINGS," it posted on X, with a crown emoji and a picture of Charles and Trump.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Hmm, if only there were someone you could ask...Thinker emoji.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera