Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
kilroy
noun
/ˈkɪl.rɔɪ/
Definition
A figure used during World War II to indicate that American soldiers had been in a particular place.
Examples
- “Kilroy was here” was a common phrase seen in various parts of Europe during the war.
- Many soldiers would draw Kilroy on the walls of buildings as a playful mark of their presence.
- The Kilroy character became a symbol of camaraderie among troops.
Meaning
Kilroy is often depicted as a cartoon character peeking over a wall, associated with an expression that signifies American presence or success in a location.
Synonyms
- American presence
- Soldier graffiti
- War-time mascot
