nestle

verb

nes·​tle ˈne-səl How to pronounce nestle (audio)
nestled; nestling ˈne-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce nestle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
archaic : nest sense 1
2
: to settle snugly or comfortably
3
: to lie in an inconspicuous or sheltered manner

transitive verb

1
: to settle, shelter, or house in or as if in a nest
the children were nestled all snug in their bedsClement Moore
2
: to press closely and affectionately
nestles a kitten in her arms
nestler noun

Examples of nestle in a Sentence

He nestled his head against his mother's shoulder. She carefully nestled the hamster into its cage. The fly ball nestled into the outfielder's glove.
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.
Days later, al-Baba says intelligence agents shifted Hiba to Dar al-Rahma, an orphanage nestled in a Damascus alleyway, so she couldn't be found. Mirna Alrached, NPR, 16 Mar. 2025 There's a painting by the French artist Schlosser of a dog with his snout nestled in the crook of a woman's waist. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The property is Hilton's latest addition to its luxury Waldorf Astoria collection and is nestled on Platte Island, a small, remote islet located about 80 miles south of Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles. Jason Chau, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025 Movement was spotted in the third egg via livestream on Thursday as the days-old hatchlings nestled in their snowy Big Bear nest. Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nestle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English nestlian, from nest

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nestle was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nestle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nestle. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nestle

verb
nes·​tle ˈnes-əl How to pronounce nestle (audio)
nestled; nestling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce nestle (audio)
1
: to lie close and snug : cuddle
2
: to settle as if in a nest
nestler noun

More from Merriam-Webster on nestle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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