An emoticon is a symbol used in texts or emails to show how someone is feeling. :-) is an emoticon showing happiness.
emoticon in British English
(ɪˈməʊtɪˌkɒn)
noun
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
In other languages
emoticon
British English: emoticon NOUN
An emoticon is a symbol used in e-mail to show how someone is feeling.