hygge

1 of 2

noun

hyg·​ge ˈhyü-gə  ˈhü-  ˈhu̇- 

: a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable

During the long, dark winters when Danes retreat inside their homes, hygge is what brings them a great sense of comfort and joy.

—Mary Holland

"I believe now—in the midst of this pandemic—is the perfect time for people to embody hygge by focusing on the present moment, spending quality time with people who make them happy, and ultimately finding peace," [Christine] Christensen said in an email.

—Courtney Kueppers

And after the recent trend of cozy, comforting hygge, there's another Scandinavian state of mind to embrace.

—Leanne Italie

hygge

2 of 2

adjective

: invoking or fostering a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being

… a hygge Christmas dinner setting needs only essential tableware, beloved family ornaments and a few tasteful sprigs of greenery.

—Francesca Brown

To live the hygge way, focus on friendship, wholesomeness, and happiness.

—Hannah Bruneman

"… people are at home all the time. People will realize cozy is better than stark. It's all about the hygge trend."

—Jonathan Adler

Examples of hygge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While these things are often present during cozy moments, in my experience, hygge is more about a feeling or an atmosphere created between people who feel comfortable together. —Chloé Skye Weiser, Contributor, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

For brands and consumers alike, hygge offers a way to embrace the quieter joys of the season—think warm throws, soft lighting, and interiors designed to invite relaxation and togetherness. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Adjective

For small spaces, this nesting table is a dream come true—covert seating that brings a plush hygge element to a room. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Even after the decorations are put away, a candle’s flicker keeps the hygge vibes going well into winter and is the perfect companion to any new year self-care routine. —Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Danish, "comfort, coziness," borrowed from Norwegian hygge (Bokmål), hyggje (Nynorsk), probably noun derivative of hygge (Bokmål), hyggje (Nynorsk) "to make comfortable," also regionally "to notice, understand, take care of, be fond of," going back to an Old Norwegian equivalent of Old Icelandic hyggja "to think, believe," going back to Germanic *hugjan- (whence also Old English hycgan "to think, meditate, consider," Old Frisian hugia "to be recalled," Old Saxon huggian "to think [of], be mindful of, consider, plan," Old High German huggen "to think, have in mind, be mindful of," Gothic hugjan "to be of a [specified] state of mind"), noun derivative of *hugi- "mind" (whence Old English hyge "mind, thought, intention," Old Frisian hei "mind," Old Saxon hugi "thought, mind, intention," Old High German hugu "mind, understanding," Old Norse hugr "mind, heart, wish," Gothic hugs "mind"), of uncertain origin

Adjective

from attributive use of hygge entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1963, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hygge

hyg·​ge

ˈhyü-gə,

ˈhü-,

ˈhu̇-

: a cozy quality that makes one feel content and comfortable

hygge adjective