What does kiss mean?
A kiss is a touch of the lips on another person or object, usually made as a sign of affection, attraction, greeting, reconciliation, or farewell. Used as a verb, kiss describes that action and can also function figuratively to express approval, goodwill, or a belief that something will be beneficial or successful. The word is familiar and emotionally warm, though its meaning changes with context: a kiss between friends or relatives may signal affection, while one between romantic partners can imply sexual or intimate attachment. In figurative expressions, a promise of benefit may be called a 'kiss of death' when it is likely to prove disastrous, showing how the word can move from physical contact to irony and warning. Kiss is also a useful example of a basic English word inherited from Old English, with close parallels in several modern European languages. Its uncomplicated form has allowed it to remain central to expressions of affection while also acquiring colorful figurative meanings.
An act of touching someone with the lips as a sign of affection, greeting, or farewell; figuratively, an expression of approval or goodwill.
"Their kiss at the end of the film brought tears to the audience's eyes."
The literal noun usually refers to a brief, deliberate act. Figurative uses are often idiomatic and may be ironic.
To touch someone or something with the lips as a sign of affection, greeting, or reconciliation; figuratively, to express approval or regard something as beneficial.
"She kissed her grandmother on the cheek and stepped into the car."
The verb can be transitive or intransitive and is common in both literal and figurative expressions.
The plural is kisses, as in 'She exchanged kisses with her friends.'
"The couple exchanged kisses while the crowd cheered."
The English word has survived since Old English times, while its close relatives in Dutch and German still express the same affectionate act.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of kiss
English inherited the word from Old English, where cyssan was the verb and cyss could refer to the act or a greeting of affection. These forms developed from a Germanic root represented in modern relatives such as Dutch kus, German Kuss, and Swedish kyss. The meaning remained broadly stable through Middle English, with the modern spelling kiss becoming established as the language shifted from Middle to Modern English.
Related word forms
How kiss is actually used
The word is neutral in register but commonly carries an intimate, affectionate, or romantic association. Figurative uses can convey approval, familiarity, or informality, while phrases such as 'kiss of death' are critical or ironic. There is no major difference in standard usage between British and American English.