rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysmoochAffectionate kissing
noun / verb

smooch

SMOOCH/smuːtʃ/

An affectionate kiss or the act of giving one.

She gives her husband a quick smooch before leaving home.

A middle-aged couple share a gentle kiss while cuddling closely on a simple bench, with reciprocal embraces making both affection and cuddling visible.
Etymology
smoochEnglishto kiss

Dialectal smouch meant “to kiss” and may have imitated the sound of kissing. Smooch carries that meaning into especially romantic or passionate affection.

More examples

  • They smooch on the couch while the credits roll.
  • He smooched her cheek and waved goodbye.
  • The toddler greets Grandma with hugs and smooches.

Forms

smooch · smooches · smooched · smooching

Similar words

kiss
More neutral; can express affection, greeting, respect, or ceremony.
peck
Specifically a quick, light kiss rather than a lingering one.