What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kiss
Example
He leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. [kiss: noun]
Example
They kissed passionately under the moonlight. [kissed: past tense verb]
peck
Example
She gave him a peck on the lips before leaving for work. [peck: noun]
Example
He pecked her on the cheek as a sign of gratitude. [pecked: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kiss is more commonly used than peck in romantic or intimate contexts, while peck is more common in friendly or platonic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kiss and peck?
Both kiss and peck can be used in formal or informal settings, but kiss may be perceived as more intimate and therefore less appropriate in certain formal situations.
