smooch

¹ American  

[smooch] / smutʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to kiss.

2. to engage in amorous caressing; pet.

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noun

1. a kiss; smack.

smooch ² American  

[smooch] / smutʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. smutch.

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smooch British  

/ smuːtʃ /

verb

1. Also (Austral and NZ): smoodge.   smooge.  (of two people) to kiss and cuddle

2. to dance very slowly and amorously with one's arms around another person, or (of two people) to dance together in such a way

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noun

1. the act of smooching

2. a piece of music played for dancing to slowly and amorously

Other Word Forms

• smoocher noun

Etymology

Origin of smooch

First recorded in 1580–90; variant of obsolete smouch “to kiss,” of unknown origin; compare dialectal German schmutzen “to kiss, smile”

Explanation

A smooch is a big kiss, and to smooch is to kiss someone. People express affection by kissing each other — so you may give your dog a smooch on the nose, or smooch your sister's cheek. You might, on the other hand, refuse to watch romantic comedies if you don't enjoy seeing the characters smooch. This informal word was a verb first, from the original smouch, which experts believe came from the sound of a great big smooch.

Example Sentences

The first smooch was roughly 21 million years ago.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 19, 2025

She gave me a much-needed smooch on mile 18 of the Los Angeles Marathon, and we did the most SoCal thing: We went to Coachella.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2023

She kicked off the show reprising her role as Josie Grossie from “Never Been Kissed,” trying to smooch several nominees in carefully edited comedic moments.

From Washington Times • May 8, 2023

João Guilherme twitches and groans in recognition when his father lifts him in the air, when his mother smothers him with kisses and when his sisters walk by and drop a smooch on his head.

From New York Times • Aug. 16, 2022

She gave me a wet smooch on my cheek, then left me to my work.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan