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noun

emoji

ih-MOH-jee

Emoji (noun) means a small digital icon used in texts and online messages to represent an emotion, object, or idea. Example: “She replied with just a laughing emoji.”

noun
1
A small digital icon used in texts and online messages to represent an emotion, object, or idea.
"She replied with just a laughing emoji."
"He ended every message with a thumbs-up emoji."

How to use emoji

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA little picture or icon, like a smiley face or a heart, used in texting to add tone or feeling.

Common mistake

The word looks like it comes from "emotion," but it doesn't — that link is just a coincidence of sound.

Common pairings
send an emoji emoji keyboard a string of emojis

Word forms

emojis plural, emoji plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She replied with just a laughing _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese emoji (絵文字), from e ("picture") + moji ("character"); its resemblance to the English word "emotion" is a coincidence.

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for emoji

See all rhymes for emoji →

Frequently asked questions

What does “emoji” mean?

The word “emoji” means a small digital icon used in texts and online messages to represent an emotion, object, or idea. In plain terms, a little picture or icon, like a smiley face or a heart, used in texting to add tone or feeling.

How do you pronounce “emoji”?

“Emoji” is pronounced ih-MOH-jee (/ɪˈmoʊ.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).

How do you use “emoji” in a sentence?

Here is “emoji” used in a sentence: “She replied with just a laughing emoji.”

What part of speech is “emoji”?

“Emoji” is a noun.

Where does the word “emoji” come from?

The word “emoji” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese emoji (絵文字), from e ("picture") + moji ("character"); its resemblance to the English word "emotion" is a coincidence.

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