snuggle

verb

snug·​gle ˈsnə-gəl How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
snuggled; snuggling ˈsnə-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
Synonyms of snugglenext

intransitive verb

: to curl up comfortably or cozily

transitive verb

1
: to draw close especially for comfort or in affection
2
: to make snug
snuggle noun

Examples of snuggle in a Sentence

The puppy snuggled up against the sleeping boy. The boy snuggled close to his mother. The dog snuggled its nose between the pillows. The baby snuggled his head against my chest.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After all, anything that cuts down on errands and saves your energy can free up time for sleep, precious time for baby snuggles, or a moment to yourself. Emily Glover, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025 Keep reading to find the best space heaters worth snuggling up to with prices starting at just $14. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025 Grab a bite to eat from a food truck and snuggle up by the bonfire. Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025 While many pets in the Denver area enjoy snuggling up to their owners during the holiday season, not all are so lucky. Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snuggle

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of snug entry 1

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of snuggle was in 1687

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snuggle. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

snuggle

verb
snug·​gle ˈsnəg-əl How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
snuggled; snuggling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
1
: to curl up comfortably or cozily : cuddle
2
: to pull in close especially for comfort or in affection : nestle

More from Merriam-Webster on snuggle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!