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

• accolade
• award
• blue ribbon
• decoration
• distinction
• honor
• plume
• premium
• prize

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 a promotion, kudos, an award, a scholarship — some kind of acknowledgement. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025

By contrast, kudos to the three firms — Jenner & Block, Perkins Coie, and WilmerHale — that have chosen to fight Trump rather than settle. —Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2025

That, and one actual wedding photographer gave me kudos, which also felt really good as a non-photographer. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Expect a promotion, an award, kudos and acknowledgement. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1