WordGarden.iokiss
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɪs/
US
- /ˈkɪs/
Meanings
Verb
to touch someone with the lips as a sign of affection or desire
to touch lightly or brush against something
Noun
an act of touching someone with the lips
Beyond the definition
A kiss is more than just touching someone with your lips. It can show love between partners, care between family members, friendship, greeting, or respect.
It is not always romantic. A parent might kiss a child's forehead to comfort them, and in some cultures, people kiss each other on the cheek as a normal greeting. You can also "kiss something goodbye," which means to accept that you are going to lose it.
A kiss is the act of pressing one's lips against another person or object. While often associated with romantic love and affection, its meaning is surprisingly versatile. A kiss can communicate a wide range of emotions—from deep passion to simple fondness, respect, or even platonic friendship.
The type of kiss matters greatly. A quick peck on the cheek might be a casual greeting in some cultures, while a lingering embrace could signify intense romantic feelings. Kisses between family members are often gentle and comforting, expressing love and reassurance. Consider the phrase "blow someone a kiss"—this is a gesture of affection sent from afar, using a wave of the hand and a pursed-lip shape.
Beyond interpersonal connection, "kiss" can also be used figuratively. To "kiss something goodbye" means to accept its loss or end. For example, "She kissed her dreams of becoming an astronaut goodbye when she failed the physical exam."
Historically, kissing has been seen as a sign of respect and submission—even in religious contexts. Today, it remains a powerful nonverbal form of communication, capable of conveying complex emotions with just a touch of the lips. From a tender goodnight kiss to a passionate declaration of love, this small gesture holds immense significance across cultures and throughout history.
Examples
- 1
Good night
She kissed him good night and turned off the light.
- 2
Family greeting
He kissed his grandmother on the cheek.
- 3
Airport reunion
They kissed each other at the airport.
- 4
Affectionate noun
Maya gave the baby a kiss on the forehead.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Gesture
He blew her a kiss from across the room.
- Phraseblow someone a kiss
kiss your hand and send it through the air
- 6
Goodbye routine
I always kiss my kids goodbye before I leave for work.
- 7
Lost plans
If we miss this train, we can kiss our dinner plans goodbye.
- Phrasekiss something goodbye
accept that you will lose it or not get it
- 8
Reconciliation
After the argument, they decided to kiss and make up.
- Phrasekiss and make up
become friendly again after a fight
- 9
Workplace flattery
Stop kissing up to the manager and just do your job.
- Patternkiss up to + person
praise someone too much because you want an advantage
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- kissnounverb
Forms
- kissing-ing formverbnoun
- kissedpast tenseverbnoun
- kissespluralnounverb