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

Natalie Hewitt was supposed to close her business, Smooch Nails and Beauty, in Wrexham during January's lockdown.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2021

And then there's "Stellar Smooch," in which two outer space probes just want to kiss and be friendly.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2015

"Stellar Smooch" deals with love in a more excited manner.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2015

The owner of Smooch in Fort Greene, who calls himself Basquali, said tour buses on nearby DeKalb Avenue had begun pointing out his cafe, where part of the show’s pilot episode was filmed.

From New York Times • Dec. 24, 2011