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Synonyms

necking

American  
[nek-ing] / ˈnɛk ɪŋ /

noun

  1. Informal. kissing, caressing, and other sexual activity between partners that does not involve stimulation of the genitals or sexual intercourse.

  2. Architecture.

    1. a molding or group of moldings between the projecting part of a capital of a column and the shaft.

    2. gorgerin.


necking British  
/ ˈnɛkɪŋ /

noun

  1. informal the activity of kissing and embracing passionately

  2. Also called: gorgerinarchitect one or more mouldings at the top of a column between the shaft and the capital

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of necking

First recorded in 1795–1805; neck + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This dramatic difference points to a process known as "necking."

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

Instead of dancing and necking and maybe even performing for the hippies in Haight-Ashbury, Elvis Presley had spent an endless seven years in Southern California, forsaking his music career for one on the silver screen.

From Washington Post • Aug. 15, 2018

Basically middle-aged music nerds in plastic glasses necking $8 beers, with a few kids to spike the energy and enthusiasm.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2017

But the 44-year-old made light of being passed over, posting a humorous picture on Twitter of herself necking a bottle of champagne.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2017

Who wouldn’t be appalled to find her brother and his girlfriend necking in her brand-new house, in the prize bathroom of all places?

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

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