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Osculate: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Osculate verb. To kiss (a formal or jokey word).
How to say it
OS-kyuh-layt/ˈɒskjʊleɪt/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (OS). Forms: osculated.
Osculate in a sentence
The couple on the bench osculated with total disregard for the pigeons.
Victorian etiquette books warned young ladies never to osculate before an engagement.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- kiss
- smooch
- peck
Where osculate comes from
From Latin osculum, a kiss, literally a little mouth, from os, mouth.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Victorian etiquette books warned young ladies never to _____ before an engagement.
- reconcile
- philander
- osculate
Show the answer
osculate: Victorian etiquette books warned young ladies never to osculate before an engagement.