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
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.
AC/DC, Jack White and Drake headlined, the latter bringing out Madonna for a smooch, but Florence + The Machine was one of the breakout performances from the year, literally.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026
The first smooch was roughly 21 million years ago.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 19, 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Today, the omnipresence of photographers and smartphones means that each unwieldy smooch, every hastily withdrawn hand, every stray gesture becomes fodder for tabloids and scrutinizing analysts.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
He had to jump up into her arms and give her a smooch.
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
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.
