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

Expect promotions, kudos, awards and acknowledgement. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025

Sacramento State athletic director Mark Orr was a man of the people on Monday and Tuesday nights, talking to fans, listening to the kudos from alums who were ready for an upgrade. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025

The kudo that ranks as the Wiesenthal Center’s highest honor will be presented to the veteran media CEO by Steven Spielberg. —William Earl, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025

Liljegren earned kudos for his play during the preseason and the Sharks’ first two games, as his 20:14 in average time on ice is second behind Dmitry Orlov (22:19) among all Sharks defensemen. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1