noun
moe
MOH-ay
noun
1
An intense, often fetishistic fondness for fictional characters from anime, manga, or video games.
"Fans online argued over which anime character best represented moe."
2
(slang) A close friend.
"He's been my moe since we were kids."
adj
1
Cute or adorable in the specific style associated with anime and manga characters.
"The character was drawn in an exaggeratedly moe style, with huge eyes."
How to Use Moe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Japanese pop-culture term for an intense, often innocent-seeming affection for a fictional character's cuteness.
When to use it
Mostly used within anime and manga fan communities; not common in general English.
Word Forms
more moe comparative, moe-er comparative, moes plural, most moe superlative, moe-est superlative
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Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese moe (萌え), literally "budding" or "sprouting," from the verb moeru, "to bud" or "sprout."