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 gave kudos to his scouting staff for landing immediate contributors like Fraser Minten (Carlo deal) and Marat Khusnutdinov (Brazeau). —Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026

His kudo was introduced by none other than Barry Diller, who gave the honoree a few jabs before hailing his success in building his Blumhouse studio as an independent operation. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 Mar. 2026

Warren deserves kudos for bucking the trend of petulance exhibited by too many Democrats that night. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

My kudos to the management of the airport for thinking of the most efficient delivery system of period products to their customers. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1