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

Coal glanced at the phone of the person streaming next to him and saw views in the thousands with constant encouraging comments and emojis floating over the video.

From Literature

After seeing a lively fan recap video from the party, Carey commented “invite me next time” with two kissy face emojis.

From Los Angeles Times

“On it my queen,” replied the showrunner with a saluting emoji.

From Los Angeles Times

Diouf's post, which was accompanied by a love-struck emoji and a crying‑laughing emoji, said: "There it is - the medal and the towel."

From BBC

On WhatsApp Johnson's closest aides complain about his decision-making – using an emoji of a broken trolley as he appears to swerve from one policy position to another.

From BBC