kudo

noun

ku·​do ˈkü-(ˌ)dō 

ˈkyü-

plural kudos ˈkü-(ˌ)dōz 

ˈkyü-

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.

Synonyms

• accolade
• award
• blue ribbon
• decoration
• distinction
• honor
• plume
• premium
• prize

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

But despite Saldaña’s numerous kudos, the Spanish language musical has had a rocky path this awards season. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025

And kudos to the people at Garmin for realizing there’s a huge market for this. —Scott Kramer, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

The Oscars, airing March 2 on ABC and streaming live on Hulu, will offer up kudos for some of these astonishments. —Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025

Beside a photo of Patrick posing for Interview Magazine, Pratt gave him major kudos on his performance in the hit anthology series. —Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1