kudo

noun

ku·​do ˈkü-(ˌ)dō 

ˈkyü-

plural kudos ˈkü-(ˌ)dōz 

ˈkyü-

1

: award, honor

… a score of honorary degrees and … other kudos.

—Time

2

: compliment, praise

… rarely hear that kind of kudo to men anymore.

—Ellen Goodman

Is kudo a word?: Usage Guide

Some commentators hold that since kudos is a singular word it cannot be used as a plural and that the word kudo is impossible. But kudo does exist; it is simply one of the most recent words created by back-formation from another word misunderstood as a plural. Kudos was introduced into English in the 19th century; it was used in contexts where a reader unfamiliar with Greek could not be sure whether it was singular or plural. By the 1920s it began to appear as a plural, and about 25 years later kudo began to appear. It may have begun as a misunderstanding, but then so did cherry and pea.

Synonyms of kudo

• award
• prize
• accolade

Examples of kudo in a Sentence

an honorary degree from her alma mater that is simply the latest kudo for an outstanding career in journalism

a kudo is in order for the way the young people acquitted themselves at their first formal dance

Recent Examples on the Web

Monterroso Mejia broke out a memorable turn opposite Larry David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, earning kudos for her work from Quinta Brunson, who later cast her in Season 2 of her Emmy-winning series Abbott Elementary. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

Anthony Borka Orlando Sentinel deserves kudos today As a longtime subscriber, thank you for continuing journalism excellence. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026

Long before that, though, McElroy tried to give kudos to Rebels running back Kewan Lacy, but called him by the wrong name. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026

Expect a promotion, kudos, awards and acknowledgement! —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1