Word
Definition
n. A small digital picture or symbol that you use in texts and online messages to express an idea or an emotion.
n. A small digital image or icon used in electronic communication to express an idea, emotion, or object. The term refers to the standardized pictographs used across most digital platforms.
Examples
“She adds a heart emoji to every text message.”
“When he heard the good news, he responded with a simple thumbs-up emoji.”
“The legal interpretation of an emoji can be complex, as courts now consider whether it signals intent in business communications or contracts.”
Examples
simple
“She adds a heart emoji to every text message.”
contextual
“When he heard the good news, he responded with a simple thumbs-up emoji.”
complex
“The legal interpretation of an emoji can be complex, as courts now consider whether it signals intent in business communications or contracts.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “emoji” in context.
Verb
01. add an emoji to the message
“He added a laughing emoji to the message to make it friendlier.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. send an emoji
“I didn't have time to type a long reply, so I just sent a heart emoji.”
verb + noun
03. use an emoji
“You should use a smiling emoji so she knows you are joking.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. appropriate emoji
“It is difficult to choose the most appropriate emoji for a work email.”
adj + noun
05. popular emoji
“The 'thumbs up' is a very popular emoji for agreeing with people.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. emoji keyboard
“You can find the fire symbol on the second page of your emoji keyboard.”
noun + noun
07. meaning of the emoji
“I am not sure about the exact meaning of this emoji.”
noun + of + noun
Etymology
From Japanese 絵文字 (emoji), a 1990s coinage that bolts together 絵 (e, “picture”) and 文字 (moji, “character”). The blend is as methodical as the word itself: one element for the image, one for the text, no surplus syllables. While the syllables land fortuitously close to English emotion and emoticon, the resemblance is cosmetic. The overlap, however, greased the borrowing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/emoji
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0