emoticon

[ih-moh-ti-kon]

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.

emoticon

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of emoticon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of emoticon¹

C20: from _emot ( _ion ) + _icon

Example Sentences

Conversations between the co-defendants on social media showed they had sent emoticons depicting a smiley face and hearts to each other.

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The player said many of the racist messages included photos and emoticons of monkeys or bananas.

Read more on Seattle Times

Two crucial ones were the < symbol and the number 3, which together made an emoticon heart <3.

Read more on New York Times

Mr. Musk replied on Friday with an emoticon of a bull’s-eye, indicating he thought the user was right on target.

Read more on Washington Times

“To all the Tweeps who decided to make today your last day: thanks for being incredible teammates through the ups and downs,” she tweeted with a saluting emoticon.

Read more on Washington Times