Simple Definition of kissing cousin

from our Learner's Dictionary

kissing cousin

noun

plural kissing cousins
old-fashioned : a person and especially a relative who you know well enough to kiss in a formal way when you meet
often used figuratively to describe two things that are similar or closely related
He says politics and show business are kissing cousins.

Cite this Entry

“Kissing cousin.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/kissing%20cousin. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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