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kudo

noun
ku·​do | \ ˈkü-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce kudo (audio) , ˈkyü-\
plural kudos\ ˈkü-​(ˌ)dōz How to pronounce kudos (audio) , ˈkyü-​ \

Definition of kudo

1 : award, honor a score of honorary degrees and … other kudos — Time
2 : compliment, praise rarely hear that kind of kudo to men anymore— Ellen Goodman
Synonyms Is kudo a word?: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about kudo

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Is kudo a word?: Usage Guide

Some commentators hold that since kudos is a singular word it cannot be used as a plural and that the word kudo is impossible. But kudo does exist; it is simply one of the most recent words created by back-formation from another word misunderstood as a plural. Kudos was introduced into English in the 19th century; it was used in contexts where a reader unfamiliar with Greek could not be sure whether it was singular or plural. By the 1920s it began to appear as a plural, and about 25 years later kudo began to appear. It may have begun as a misunderstanding, but then so did cherry and pea.

Examples of kudo in a Sentence

an honorary degree from her alma mater that is simply the latest kudo for an outstanding career in journalism a kudo is in order for the way the young people acquitted themselves at their first formal dance

Recent Examples on the Web

 Send your comments and questions, kudos and rants, to talkback@themmqb.com. — Mark Mravic, SI.com, "NFL 100: The Arguments and Debates Behind The MMQB’s Project," 28 Aug. 2019 The basic form of social currency is the kudo, a kind of attaboy awarded for posting an activity. — Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, "The Coach That Meets You in Your Inbox," 24 June 2019 The kudos come from TripAdvisor’s recently rolled out Travelers’ Choice awards for the top experiences bookable on the world’s largest travel site. — Lori Rackl, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago architecture river cruise ranks as one of the world’s top travel experiences," 24 June 2019 Tremendous credit and kudos to the motorist who involved herself and ensured the safety and well-being of the toddler. — Christine Dempsey, courant.com, "New London toddler outsmarts parents’ locks, goes for 4 a.m. stroll," 18 June 2019 Additionally, there is a specific mailing list strictly dedicated to kudos, where all employees can sing the praises of their fellow co-workers for a job well done. — Leigh Farr, azcentral, "MEDIUM COMPANY RANKINGS:," 13 June 2019 And kudos to her other out teammates and those also out in the WNBA. — latimes.com, "Letters: Death of Tyler Skaggs is a huge loss for the Angels," 5 July 2019 And speaking of Orlando City, kudos to CEO Alex Leitão and his staff for literally and figuratively taking out the trash and suspending 38 debris-throwing fans for a span of one to two full seasons. — Mike Bianchi, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando City coach Jason Kreis believes NFL, MLS and all pro athletes should stand for national anthem," 25 May 2018 And, kudos for handling the so-difficult bilingual element with nuance. 2. — Leila Cobo, Billboard, "Maluma's 'F.A.M.E.': 5 Essential Tracks," 18 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kudo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of kudo

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for kudo

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

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More from Merriam-Webster on kudo

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kudo

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