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Kiss Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kiss

[kÉŞs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

romantic

A kiss is the touching of one person's lips to another person's lips, cheek, forehead, or other body parts as an expression of love, greeting, respect, or affection.

Synonyms

peck, smooch, snog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kiss

General term for touching lips to someone or something. Can be used in a variety of contexts - romantic, familial, or social.

  • They shared a kiss under the stars.
  • She gave her grandmother a kiss on the cheek.
smooch

Endearing term for a more extended or passionate kiss, usually in a romantic context. Often carries a playful or affectionate tone.

  • They moved to a quiet corner of the party to share a smooch.
  • The couple was caught smooching in the hallway.
peck

A quick and light kiss, often used to show a friendly or familial affection. Can sometimes indicate a lack of deeper emotion.

  • He gave her a peck on the cheek before leaving for work.
  • She received a peck from her son as he ran out to play.
snog

Informal British term for a long and passionate kiss. Often implies a more intense or sometimes public display of affection. May carry a slightly negative or crude connotation in some contexts.

  • They were snogging in the back row of the cinema.
  • She didn't want her parents to catch her snogging her boyfriend.

Examples of usage

  • She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
  • They shared a passionate kiss under the stars.
Context #2 | Verb

romantic

To kiss means to touch someone else's lips with your own as a sign of love, affection, or greeting.

Synonyms

peck, smooch, snog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kiss

This is the most neutral and versatile word used to describe the act of pressing one's lips against someone or something else. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • She gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek
  • They kissed under the mistletoe
smooch

An informal term for a long, passionate kiss. Often used to describe romantic kissing, especially among teenagers or young adults.

  • They were smooching in the back of the movie theater
  • The couple smooched under the stars
peck

A quick, light kiss, often associated with a brief show of affection that is less intimate than a full kiss. Usually used in casual or familial situations.

  • He gave her a peck on the cheek before heading to work
  • The child pecked his mother goodnight
snog

A British slang term for a kiss that is usually long and passionate. Often used in informal or casual settings, usually among friends.

  • They were snogging at the party
  • She caught her friend snogging her boyfriend

Examples of usage

  • He kissed her softly on the lips.
  • They kissed each other goodbye at the airport.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The act of kissing dates back thousands of years, with evidence of it in ancient Indian texts and cultures.
  • The ancient Greeks had several terms for kisses, each with different meanings, such as 'philia' (friendship) and 'eros' (romantic).
  • In some cultures, kissing can be a form of greeting, such as on the cheeks, showing trust and affection.

Cultural Significance

  • Kissing is featured prominently in various religious texts, symbolizing peace or blessings in many traditions.
  • In France, social custom often includes greeting friends with a series of kisses on the cheeks, known as 'la bise'.
  • Different cultures have unique interpretations of personal space and affection, meaning the context of a kiss can change dramatically.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that kissing can release oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone', increasing feelings of closeness.
  • Studies show that couples who kiss regularly tend to have stronger relationships and higher satisfaction levels.
  • Kissing can also help reduce stress and calm anxiety, as it promotes feelings of comfort and security.

Literature

  • Kisses frequently appear in literature as a powerful symbol of romantic love, passion, or betrayal.
  • Famous literary kisses, such as in 'Romeo and Juliet', often signify pivotal moments of connection between characters.
  • In fairy tales, a kiss is often portrayed as a life-changing event, revealing its cultural significance in narratives.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular movies and songs celebrate the act of kissing, depicting it as an expression of love or a climactic moment.
  • The 'Kiss Cam' at sports events has become a beloved feature, encouraging fans to show affection in a fun, public way.
  • Kisses in famous music videos have defined romantic gestures for generations, influencing how affection is perceived.

Origin of 'kiss'

The word 'kiss' has its origins in the Old English word 'cyssan' which is of Germanic origin. The act of kissing has been a common form of greeting and affection since ancient times, with references found in ancient Greek and Roman literature. Kissing customs vary across cultures, with some societies viewing it as a romantic gesture while others use it as a form of social greeting.

See also: kisser.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,621, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.