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
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
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.
Expect a promotion, an award, kudos and acknowledgement. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025 Her two prior theatrical ventures — Bradley Cooper's A Star Is Born and Ridley Scott's House of Gucci — also garnered her kudos, with the former earning her an Oscar win for Best Original Song. Shania Russell, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2025 In a word, kudos to the old forms and its steady practitioners. Guy Martin, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Chu will be presented with the kudo at the MPA’s fourth annual awards program, which will also feature 2025 Industry Champion Awards presented to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.). Lauren Coates, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kudo

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kudo was in 1822

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kudo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kudo. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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