air kiss

noun

1. a pursing of the lips in a pretended kiss, as when parting on the telephone or touching cheeks in greeting.

air kiss

noun

1. a kissing gesture, esp one directed towards a person's cheeck, made without making physical contact

verb

1. to make such a gesture towards a person

Word History and Origins

Origin of air kiss¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

He signs off with an air kiss.

From New York Times

Some colleagues patted Cawthorn’s back and shook his hand before quickly stepping past him in that distinctly Washington version of the air kiss.

From Washington Post

After years of getting dragged through the tabloids and trotted out on reality shows like one of her beloved show ponies, she is both restored to dignity by Thompson’s concerned embrace and pushed away with an air kiss.

From New York Times

"I am honored and so thrilled actually, and tickled to be here tonight to roast my husband, Nick Jonas, and his brothers, whose names I can never remember," Chopra said front and center, eliciting applause from the audience and an air kiss from the singer.

From Fox News

Guests file by, air kiss — or this year maybe fist bump or wave from afar — Ms. Wintour and Co. and then tour the exhibition on their way to the cocktail party, so they are theoretically forced to experience some culture.

From New York Times