smiley

1 of 2

adjective

smil·​ey ˈsmī-lē How to pronounce smiley (audio)
: having a smile : smiling often
smiley kids

smiley

2 of 2

noun

Examples of smiley in a Sentence

Adjective She's a very smiley kid.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Jenna is giving me really good vibes, just a really warm, smiley person. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026 Even better, Liu does it all while flaunting her signature bleached halo-dye hairstyle and smiley piercing. Jasmine Wynn, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
The service The hotel team is attentive, confident, and smiley—a fitting attitude for a high-luxury hotel in easy-going Sydney. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025 Pataky snapped a smiley selfie with one of the twins, who was decked out in sports gear. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smiley

Word History

Etymology

Noun

short for smiley face

First Known Use

Adjective

1848, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smiley was in 1848

Cite this Entry

“Smiley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smiley. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

smiley

1 of 2 adjective
smil·​ey ˈsmī-lē How to pronounce smiley (audio)
: exhibiting a smile : frequently smiling

smiley

2 of 2 noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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