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

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

From Seattle Times

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

From 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.

From 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.

From Washington Times

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

From Washington Times