cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl 

cuddled; cuddling ˈkəd-liŋ 

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 

ˈkə-dᵊl-ər

noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Synonyms

Verb

• nestle
• nuzzle
• snoozle [chiefly dialect]
• snuggle

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb

Let's cuddle by the fire.

kittens cuddling in a basket

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The three-minute black-and-white clip shows the couple kissing and cuddling in bed, kissing and cuddling on a countertop, zipping around via boat, and hanging out in a very enviable jacuzzi. —Stacey Leasca, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2025

Christian, Quincy, 33, and Love also marked the twins’ milestone with some family photos, cuddling up to each other mid-court to take some snapshots. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

The host of the game show, 50, encouraged the champion to bring on the cuddles. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

That’s where the volunteers come into play, fostering the dogs, ushering them to veterinary appointments, running the adoption center on weekends, and, of course, providing frequent cuddles. —Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Jan. 2025

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

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