emoticon

noun

emo·​ti·​con i-ˈmō-ti-ˌkän 

plural emoticons

: a group of keyboard characters (such as :-)) that typically represents a facial expression or suggests an attitude or emotion and that is used especially in computerized communications (such as email) compare emoji

Examples of emoticon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, glad to know the <3 emoticon lives on with the younger generation! — Emma Specter, Vogue, 12 June 2026

One excessively overdriven track whose title involves emoticons and numbers ends with the sound of a cat purring, a hum of contentment incarnate. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 8 May 2026

Ilya also shared the artwork for Grande’s album on Instagram, with the singer replying with a smiley emoticon. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026

The British racecar driver responded with the heart eyes emoticon. — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

emotion + icon

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for emoticon

• agamemnon
• automaton
• diencephalon
• panopticon
• phenomenon
• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon

Kids Definition

emoticon

noun

emo·​ti·​con i-ˈmō-ti-ˌkän 

: a group of characters (as :-) for a smile) that suggests an attitude or facial expression