KISS principle

proper noun

The empirical principle that most systems will work best if they are kept simple rather than made complex.

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Meanings

proper nounthe KISS principle
  1. The empirical principle that most systems will work best if they are kept simple rather than made complex.

Origin

KISS is an acronym for keep it simple, stupid.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

KISS principle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/KISS%20principle

MLA

“KISS principle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/KISS%20principle. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “KISS principle,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/KISS%20principle.

Source: KISS principle on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.