emoji, n.
Frequency (in current use):
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Inflections:
Plural emoji, emojis.
Origin: A borrowing from Japanese. Etymon: Japanese emoji.
Etymology: < Japanese emoji pictograph (1928 or earlier, perhaps after English pictograph n.), small digital image or icon used to express an idea, emotion, etc. in electronic communications (1990s) < e picture (formerly ye ; 8th cent. as we ; < Middle Chinese) + moji letter, character (10th cent.; contraction of mon character, word + ji character, letter (see kanji n.), based on a Middle Chinese compound; compare Chinese wénzì writing).
The resemblance in form and meaning to emoticon n. is probably coincidental.
A small digital image or icon used to express an idea, emotion, etc., in electronic communications.
1997 Nikkei Weekly
(Japan)
27 Oct. 25/5
P-kies CD-ROM Emoji Word Processor software featuring more than 500 pictorial symbols has become a hit since it debuted July 11.
2001 Wired Oct. 74/1
Emoji..consists of tiny pixelated images that sub for words in mobile gossiping.
2005 A. Pashtan Mobile Web Services iii. 44
Another extension is the use of the emoji icon symbols.
2011 N.Y. Times
(Nexis)
28 Apr. b9
If you've downloaded an app for emojis, those little happy faces and icons, you can add it to your list of keyboards in this panel.
1997—2011(Hide quotations)
