caressed; caressing; caresses
1
: to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness : cherish
the regiment was fed and caressed at station after station—
Stephen Crane
Stephen Crane2
a
: to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
She caressed the baby's cheek.
b
: to touch or affect as if with a caress
echoes that caress the ear
caresser
noun
1
: an act or expression of kindness or affection : endearment
when the gifts and caresses of mankind shall recompense the toils of study—Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson2
a
: a light stroking, rubbing, or patting
a gentle caress of her shoulder
b
: kiss
She gave him a parting caress.
caressively
adverb
Examples of caress in a Sentence
Verb
She caressed the baby's cheek.
A warm breeze caressed her face.
Noun
She gave the baby's cheek a gentle caress.
Recent Examples on the Web
Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Then Jennifer Tilly’s hand gently caresses Gina Gershon’s face from her cheek down to her chin.
—James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
These films borrowed heavily from Lyne’s visual grammar: slow-motion caresses, gauzy lighting, breathless tension between suggestion and exposure.
—arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Then Jennifer Tilly’s hand gently caresses Gina Gershon’s face from her cheek down to her chin.
—James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
For example, a firm hug for reassurance or a gentle caress on the arm can be used to signal comfort.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
These films borrowed heavily from Lyne’s visual grammar: slow-motion caresses, gauzy lighting, breathless tension between suggestion and exposure.
—arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Cite this Entry
“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caress. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share