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• smiley
  smiley

  noun

  a digital icon, a sequence of keyboard symbols, or a handwritten or printed equivalent, that serves to represent a facial expression, as :‐) for a smiling face or ;‐) for a winking face.
• Smiley
  Smiley

  noun

  Jane, born 1949, U.S. novelist.

smiley

¹ American  

[smahy-lee] / ˈsmaɪ li /

noun

plural

smileys

1. a digital icon, a sequence of keyboard symbols, or a handwritten or printed equivalent, that serves to represent a facial expression, as :‐) for a smiling face or ;‐) for a winking face.

2. Usually smile face a drawing of a face consisting of a usually yellow circle with an upturned curve for a smile and two dots for eyes.

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adjective

1. cheerful; smiling.

Smiley ² American  

[smahy-lee] / ˈsmaɪ li /

noun

1. Jane, born 1949, U.S. novelist.

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smiley British  

/ ˈsmaɪlɪ /

adjective

1. given to smiling; cheerful

2. depicting a smile

   a smiley badge

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noun

1. any of a group of symbols depicting a smile, or other facial expression, used in electronic mail

Etymology

Origin of smiley

1985–90

Example Sentences

“Meta is really at a sort of crossroads moment, even though its business is doing well,” said Minda Smiley, a senior analyst at eMarketer who focuses on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

"For years, social media companies have claimed they're hard at work making their platforms safer for kids and teenagers," said Minda Smiley, an analyst at eMarketer.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

One survivor was in critical but stable condition, five were in stable condition, and two had been discharged from hospital, Smiley said earlier in the day.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

Providence and Brown’s campus will have an enhanced law enforcement presence starting Monday, Smiley said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Smiley found a large metal cage in his attic and brought it over.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns