kissing

nounosculation

Synonyms for kissing

noun osculation

lovemaking

noun. sexual activity

Word Origin & History

Old English cyssan "to kiss," from Proto-Germanic *kussijanan (cf. Old Saxon kussian, Old Norse kyssa, Old Frisian kessa, Middle Dutch cussen, Dutch, Old High German kussen, German küssen, Norwegian and Danish kysse, Swedish kyssa), from *kuss-, probably ultimately imitative of the sound. Related: Kissed; kissing. For vowel evolution, see bury. There appears to be no common Indo-European root word for "kiss," though suggestions of a common ku- sound may be found in the Germanic root and Greek kynein "to kiss," Hittite kuwash-anzi "they kiss," Sanskrit cumbati "he kisses."

Some languages make a distinction between the kiss of affection and that of erotic love (cf. Latin saviari "erotic kiss," vs. osculum, literally "little mouth"). French embrasser "kiss," but literally "embrace," came about in 17c. when the older word baiser (from Latin basiare) acquired an obscene connotation. Insulting invitation kiss my ass is at least from 1705, but probably much older (cf. "The Miller's Tale").

Example Sentences for kissing

Now there was a fine jubilee, and a hugging and kissing over and over.

"Why, you talk as if there had been a fire," I cried, kissing her.

When, in crossing the Clos-Marie, he lifted his head, he saw that she was kissing the flowers.

Many times Hubertine had seen her kissing her hands with vehemence.

He thought that it was very strange that he should think so ardently of kissing Maggie.

"Do not speak so harshly of poor King Pluto," said Prosperina, kissing her mother.

He took a good deal of notice of me; raising me in his arms, and kissing me.

"You will be warm now," said the vine, kissing Barbara's forehead.

There is no time for kissing and such fooleries when the tide serves.

Can I believe a young fellow of your age and complexion will be content with kissing?

kissing

Synonyms for kissing

More words related to kissing

foreplay

lovemaking