emoji

/ɪˈmoʊdʒi/

/ɛˈmʌʊdʒi/

Other forms: emojis

An emoji is a small icon or picture that represents an object, emotion, or reaction in a text message. On your best friend's birthday, you might text them the birthday cake, balloon, and shooting star emojis.

The earliest emojis were available on Japanese cell phones in 1997. These simple pixelated images were modeled on manga art and appeared in shades of gray. Over time, emojis have become more complex and colorful — you can now send emojis that include an ear of corn, a squid, clapping hands, and a pair of scissors. The Japanese emoji translates as "character picture," and was first used in English around 2008.

Definitions of emoji

1. noun

   a small digital image or icon used in electronic communications such as text messages and emails to express an idea or attitude without words