English Reference
noun · adjective

smiley

n. · adj.
US /ˈsmaɪɫi/ UK /smˈaɪli/ smi·ley

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Informal Computing

    n.a small picture or a set of keyboard symbols that shows a smiling face in a message.

    n.a graphical icon or a sequence of keyboard characters used in digital communication to represent a smiling face.

    Simple

    He added a yellow smiley at the end of his text to show he was joking.

    In context

    The early internet was dominated by text-based smileys before the colourful emoji sets we use today became standardised.

    emoticonemoji
    frowny
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.having a happy face or smiling a lot.

    adj.characterised by a cheerful disposition or the frequent act of smiling.

    Simple

    The new teacher is very smiley and makes the students feel welcome.

    In context

    Despite the long hours and difficult conditions, the staff remained remarkably smiley and attentive to the guests' needs.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Dialect Cooking

    n.a traditional South African dish made from a roasted sheep's head.

    n.a traditional South African culinary preparation consisting of a roasted sheep's head.

    Simple

    While visiting Cape Town, he tried a smiley at a local street market.

    In context

    The dish is colloquially known as a smiley because the heat of the oven causes the sheep's lips to pull back, revealing its teeth.

    Usage

    Common in South African English; usually refers to street food.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated