Word
kissing
Phoneticskiss·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɪsɪŋ/
UK/kˈɪsɪŋ/
Definitions
01act of affection
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. the act of touching someone with your lips to show love, affection, or to say hello.
n. the physical act of pressing the lips against another person or surface, typically as an expression of affection, greeting, or reverence.
“The couple was caught kissing in the park behind the big oak tree.”
“Public displays of kissing are viewed differently across cultures, ranging from a standard social greeting to a private act reserved for intimate partners.”
Usage
often used as an uncountable noun for the general activity or a countable noun for specific instances.
Synonyms
02barely touching
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. describing two things that are just touching each other very lightly.
adj. describing two surfaces or objects that are in immediate proximity or light physical contact.
“The two branches were kissing in the light wind.”
“The architect designed the two glass towers so they appeared to be kissing at the highest point of the atrium.”
Usage
usually appears before the noun it describes.
Teaching tip
This is a figurative or technical use; in everyday English, students should simply use 'touching'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “kissing” in context.
Verb
01. avoid kissing
“When you have a cold, avoid kissing other people.”
verb + noun
02. enjoy kissing
“The children enjoy kissing their grandma on the cheek.”
verb + noun
03. finish kissing
“Finish kissing goodbye and get in the car, please.”
verb + noun
04. kissing starts
“The film is sweet when the kissing starts at the end.”
noun + verb
05. kissing stops
“Everyone laughs when the kissing stops in the play.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. gentle kissing
“The movie ends with soft music and gentle kissing.”
adj + noun
07. quick kissing
“After quick kissing goodbye, she ran to the bus.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. act of kissing
“The act of kissing shows love or says hello.”
noun + prep + noun
09. ban on kissing
“There is a ban on kissing at the station entrance.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a photo of them kissing
“She showed me a photo of them kissing in Paris.”
11. kissing on the cheek
“In France, friends say hello with kissing on the cheek.”
12. kissing on the lips
“They said goodbye with kissing on the lips.”
Real-World Examples
“Touching, embracing and kissing before stressful events may be an ancient way of building trust, according to scientists studying the behaviour of our closest ape relatives.” “A young couple in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province were publicly caned on Thursday after an Islamic Shariah court convicted them of violating Islamic law by kissing during a TikTok livestream.” “As the jubilant Spanish team lined up to collect their winning medals and salute dignitaries after beating England 1-0 in Sydney, Australia, Rubiales, 46, grabbed player Jenni Hermoso, 33, by the head with both hands, and kissed her on her lips.” “Researchers said kissing sets off a complex set of chemical reactions, and in some cases, a bad kiss could be the kiss of death for a burgeoning romance.” Etymology
From Middle English kissynge, cussinde, from Old English cyssende, from Proto-West Germanic kussijandī, from Proto-Germanic kussijandz, equivalent to kiss + -ing. Cognate with Saterland Frisian küsjend, Dutch kussend, German Low German küssend, German küssend, Swedish kyssande, Icelandic kyssandi.
From Middle English kissynge, kyssynge, kessinge, from Old English cyssing, from Proto-West Germanic kussīngu, equivalent to kiss + -ing. Cognate with Middle Dutch cussinge (whence Dutch kussing (“kissing”)), Middle Low German küssinge (“kissing”), Middle High German küssunge (“kissing”). Compare also Old English cossettung (“kissing”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/kissing