kissing cousin UK /ˌkɪsɪŋ ˈkʌzn̩/US /ˌkɪsɪŋ ˈkʌz(ə)n/ noun2 •A relatively distant relative, or a friend, who is familiar enough to be greeted with a kiss. •(figurative) A thing which is related or similar to another thing. formskissing cousins