emoticon

[ ih-moh-ti-kon ]

/ ɪˈmoʊ tɪˌkɒn /

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noun Digital Technology.

a digital icon or a sequence of keyboard symbols that serves to represent a facial expression, as :‐) for a smiling face. Emoticons are used in a digital message or text to convey the writer’s emotions or clarify intent.

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QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Compare smiley, emoji, kaomoji.

Origin of emoticon

First recorded in 1985–90; emot(ion) + icon

Words nearby emoticon

emollient, emolument, Emory, Emory oak, emote, emoticon, emotion, emotional, emotional correctness, emotional deprivation, emotional eating

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use emoticon in a sentence

In Facebook Messenger for iOS, for instance, tap the emoticon button on the right then the GIF icon to search for or scroll through available images.
10 tips for making your group chats less terrible|empire|August 13, 2021|Popular-Science
The only visual feedback a player is likely to see are a series of emoticons that are native to the broader Discord interface — when you encounter the vaunted Ancient Dragon, for example, a purple chibi dragon head appears in the chat box.
On Discord, bots find a foothold as mini indie success stories|Luke Winkie|March 25, 2021|Washington Post
Deaf signers punctuate their signed sentences with laughter, much like emoticons in written text.
Laughing Is Good For Your Mind And Your Body – Here’s What The Research Shows|LGBTQ-Editor|November 23, 2020|No Straight News
“Pornstar status” with an OK-sign emoticon and “FAMOUS for dayzzzzzzz” were her last two tweets.
A College Student’s Death Is Now a Talking Point About Porn|Emily Shire|May 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

It was like an alien emoticon, and it creeped me the hell out.
Facebook Is Giving Users More Ways to Express Themselves. And It’s Terrible.|Winston Ross|August 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Up in my little chat window popped the biggest emoticon I have ever seen.
Facebook Is Giving Users More Ways to Express Themselves. And It’s Terrible.|Winston Ross|August 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
An ‘F you’ ring in 18-karat gold with diamonds or a fist emoticon in 18-karat gold and diamonds.
Haim Medine’s Jewelry Line Khai Khai|Erin Cunningham|August 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for emoticon

emoticon

/ (ɪˈməʊtɪˌkɒn) /

noun

any of several combinations of symbols used in electronic mail and text messaging to indicate the state of mind of the writer, such as :-) to express happiness

Word Origin for emoticon

C20: from emot (ion) + icon

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

emoticon

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Origin of emoticon

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How to use emoticon in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for emoticon

Word Origin for emoticon