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

Where Does All The Dust Come From? People And Pets We spend a lot of time in our living rooms playing games, watching TV, and cuddling with pets and kids on the couch. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024

One of the best things about cold weather seasons is cuddling up on the couch with a hot cup of tea and a classic holiday movie. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

Some commenters on a Facebook post that went viral are outraged at a curfew on cuddles, while others marvel at an airport still having a free drop-off area at all, given the general rise in fees and fines. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024

When the puppies are out for walks on campus, crowds gather, phone cameras flash, and students drop to the ground for a hug or a cuddle. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 17 Sep. 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