emoticon

[ih-moh-ti-kon] /ɪˈmoʊ tɪˌkɒn/
noun
1.
Computers. a digital icon or a sequence of keyboard symbols that serves to represent a facial expression, as :‐) for a smiling face. Emoticons are used in a digital message or text to convey the writer’s emotions or clarify intent.
Compare smiley, emoji.
Origin
1980-85; blend of emotion and icon
Examples from the web for emoticons
  • Ubiquitous emoticons aside, faces are also essential to the expression and registering of human feelings.
  • Top surfers have tattoos, nicknames that ape those of hip-hop stars and probably use lots of emoticons when emailing.
  • The main search screen is reasonably clean, though the emoticons in the date bits are arguably a bit too cutesy.
  • Likewise, including smileys and emoticons did little to change the shape of the world's moods.
  • Enhance your collaboration by including rich text, emoticons, and screen snapshots.
  • The full list of emoticons can be seen in the posting form.
  • Take care with the use of abbreviations and use of emoticons.
  • There is no dignity in that eulogy consisting mostly of sad-faced emoticons studded with apostrophe tears.
British Dictionary definitions for emoticons

emoticon

/ɪˈməʊtɪˌkɒn/
noun
1.
any of several combinations of symbols used in electronic mail and text messaging to indicate the state of mind of the writer, such as :-) to express happiness
Word Origin
C20: from emot(ion) + icon
Word Origin and History for emoticons

emoticon

n.

by 1994, apparently from emotion + icon.

Slang definitions & phrases for emoticons

emoticon

noun
  1. Symbols made from punctuation marks, used to denote emotion::-)
  2. smile ;-);
  3. smile with a wink; 8-)
  4. smile from a person who wears glasses;:-(n frown (1990s+ Computer)