cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
cuddled; cuddling ˈkəd-liŋ How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
ˈkə-dᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

: to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection
He cuddled the puppy.

intransitive verb

: to lie close or snug : nestle, snuggle
… dewy glens where couples cuddle on blankets …Bob Sipchen
cuddler
ˈkəd-lər How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
ˈkə-dᵊl-ər
noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb Let's cuddle by the fire. kittens cuddling in a basket
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.
Verb
Other moments featured in the photo carousel included Malti admiring some Christmas trees, cuddling with mom in a hotel bathrobe, sharing her artwork on a sketch pad, and playing with a doll from Disney's Moana. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Munn included photos of herself cuddling with Méi and sitting on a couch in a store. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
The cat just loves to be around her family and wouldn't want to miss out on cuddles with Cannon. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Always ready to kiss, cuddle, play, and brighten up your darkest day. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cuddle 

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1520, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuddle was in 1520

Dictionary Entries Near cuddle

Cite this Entry

“Cuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuddle. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cuddle

verb
cud·​dle
ˈkəd-ᵊl
cuddled; cuddling
ˈkəd-liŋ,
-ᵊl-iŋ
1
: to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection
2
: to lie close : nestle, snuggle
cuddle noun
cuddly
ˈkəd-lē
-ᵊl-ē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cuddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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