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Definitions

emoticon

[ih-moh-ti-kon] / ɪˈmoʊ tɪˌkɒn /
NOUN
keyboard symbol code, :-)
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

She eulogizes the emoticon, that conglomeration of punctuation marks that English-language texters used to convey feelings before the arrival in 2010 of the emoji.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

Mr. Musk replied on Friday with an emoticon of a bull’s-eye, indicating he thought the user was right on target.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 16, 2022

He punctuated it with an emoticon of a wink.

From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2022

Others had grown suspicious of his emoticon use: one wrote that anyone “who uses the ‘!?’ emoji is totally a middle-aged man.”

From Washington Post ● May 11, 2021

I offered to give him my own T-shirt, but he said no because he couldn't think up anything new to name my emoticon scar.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith

These included "broligarchy," "Gen Z stare," and an entry from the world of emoticons -- the dynamite emoji.

From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2025

Conversations between the co-defendants on social media showed they had sent emoticons depicting a smiley face and hearts to each other.

From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2025

If you can solve that one, you’re probably the right kind of audience for “Textplay,” a witty two-character, no-actor sketch, conducted entirely in the world’s latest lingua franca, complete with emojis, emoticons, ellipses and erasures.

From New York Times ● Sep. 30, 2022

Viewers can subscribe to an individual streamer for $5 to $25 a month and receive digital badges, custom emoticons and other perks.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 28, 2022

Consider symbols like “the golden arches” or emoticons and all the information they tell you.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz


Vocabulary lists containing emoticon

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