kissing

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
  2. verb touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
  3. verb touch lightly or gently

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

caressing, cuddling, fondling, hugging, necking, petting, smooching, snuggling

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