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

Set to soft music, the Instagram video opened with throwback photos of Meghan, Prince Harry, 40, and Guy, from the couple cuddling the pup to Guy on the mend with his legs in casts and Meghan standing by a tree with Guy at her feet during her pregnancy with Prince Archie. —Janine Henni, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

Oh, and watching Hallmark movies with my Angie cuddling next to me. —Robin Raven, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

Noun

In June, Cohen shared a glimpse into the start of his Father's Day on his Instagram Stories — which included a slightly later wake-up call and some cuddles while watching Camp Snoopy. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Showing those scenes under the sheets, with a kiss and cuddle, would not be moving the needle. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024

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