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

Sweeney began his press conference by dishing out kudos up and down the organization, from the coaches and players to the scouting staff and the medical staff. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

The joke here was that Barkley, already known for being outspoken, has been getting kudos for speaking out in favor of immigrants on a CBS broadcast. —Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

Acknowledgement, kudos and awards could come your way. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2026

Max’s parents also gave kudos to Quandt for taking Max and his ideas seriously as a partner. —Alexa Stone updated March 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1