nuzzle

verb

nuz·​zle ˈnə-zəl How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
nuzzled; nuzzling ˈnəz-liŋ How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
ˈnə-zə-

intransitive verb

1
: to work with or as if with the nose
especially : to root, rub, or snuff something
2
: to lie close or snug

transitive verb

1
: to root, rub, or touch with or as if with the nose
2
: to rub or push gently against something
nuzzled her face against the cushion

Examples of nuzzle in a Sentence

The dog nuzzled my leg. He nuzzled into her neck.
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.
Biscuit tenderly placed a paw over Muffin, as if to shield him, while gently nuzzling his tiny face. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 This will increase total seating capacity from five to six, and allow a couple (or throuple) to nuzzle up to each other in the cab. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Oct. 2024 Sometimes bearded dragons even nuzzle into you, like the crook of your neck, to get extra toasty, Thompson said. Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024 Cuoco shared a photo of the couple, dated Aug. 10, in which they can be seen sweetly nuzzling their faces. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuzzle 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English noselen to bring the nose toward the ground, from nose

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuzzle was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near nuzzle

Cite this Entry

“Nuzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuzzle. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nuzzle

verb
nuz·​zle ˈnəz-əl How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
nuzzled; nuzzling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
1
: to push or rub with the nose
2
: to lie close : nestle

More from Merriam-Webster on nuzzle

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!