smooch
1 Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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Also (Austral and NZ): smoodge. smooge. (of two people) to kiss and cuddle
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to dance very slowly and amorously with one's arms around another person, or (of two people) to dance together in such a way
noun
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the act of smooching
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a piece of music played for dancing to slowly and amorously
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
In January 2024, the Kansas Chiefs beat the Baltimore Ravens to secure their place at the Super Bowl - and the star rushed onto the pitch for a lingering smooch with their star player.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
The first smooch was roughly 21 million years ago.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 19, 2025
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
They pop up from their respective garbage cans to bicker, joke and flirt with each other, though they’re just too far apart to share a smooch.
From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2023
"Your first smooch," Remy teased like he'd kissed anybody, but he hadn't.
From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds
He may be 100, but Harold Terens still smooches like a teenager.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 6, 2024
Dumfries probably deserved even more smooches from his coach on Saturday after leading the Netherlands into the World Cup quarterfinals with a goal and two assists in the 3-1 victory over the United States.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 3, 2022
The film's weirdest bit has Cage kissing himself, but, then again, as Nic Cage boldly declares, "Nic Cage smooches good."
From Salon ● Apr. 22, 2022
Usually, this is where ABC parades the most extravagant dates, majestic sunsets, juicy smooches, and a handful of dramatic showdowns between the men trying to court the woman of their shared dreams.
From The Verge ● May 27, 2015
She smooches Ford’s cheeks, four kisses on each one.
From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
