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

Do you think the Internet will be OK after the brother smooch?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2025

Today, the omnipresence of photographers and smartphones means that each unwieldy smooch, every hastily withdrawn hand, every stray gesture becomes fodder for tabloids and scrutinizing analysts.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2024

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

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

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan