emoticon

American  

[ih-moh-ti-kon] / ɪˈmoʊ tɪˌkɒn /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. 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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emoticon British  

/ ɪˈməʊtɪˌkɒn /

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of emoticon

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

Compare meaning

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

• emoticon vs. emoji

Example Sentences

Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns tweeted in response on Wednesday, using a national flag emoticon for “America.”

From Washington Times • Aug. 17, 2022

He punctuated it with an emoticon of a wink.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2022

“And here you can’t even remove one fool,” Lutsenko laments, using a sad-face emoticon as he again appeared to push for Yovanovitch’s ouster.

From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2020

If they write “Mrs.” in an email, I correct them in my response with a winky-face emoticon.

From Slate • Nov. 7, 2019

Like a little happy but somewhat clueless emoticon.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio