snuggle

American  

[snuhg-uhl] / ˈsnʌg əl /

verb (used without object)

snuggled, snuggling

1. to lie or press closely, as for comfort or from affection; nestle; cuddle.

   When I wake up early, the children will often come and snuggle beside me when they hear me moving.

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verb (used with object)

snuggled, snuggling

1. to draw or press closely against, as for comfort or from affection.

   She loves spending time snuggling her three dogs, hiking, and traveling.

noun

1. the act of lying or pressing closely against someone or something for comfort or from affection.

   We're having our regular evening snuggle with the cat.

verb phrase

1. snuggle up

   1. to sit or lie comfortably, warmly, and cozily, especially while holding or cuddling something or someone.

      The holidays are the perfect time to snuggle up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a good film.

   2. to become friendly with, especially to further one's own ends; cozy up.

      The CEO is snuggling up to the mayor, hoping to get support from the city for this new project.

snuggle British  

/ ˈsnʌɡəl /

verb

1. (usually intr; usually foll by down, up, or together) to nestle into or draw close to (somebody or something) for warmth or from affection

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noun

1. the act of snuggling

Etymology

Origin of snuggle

First recorded in 1680–90; snug + -le

Explanation

To snuggle is to cuddle with someone. Snuggling is a little like hugging, and it often takes place in bed. This is a cutesy word for cute behavior: nestling or nuzzling someone. People snuggle to warm each other up or to be affectionate. People dating or married often snuggle. Close friends or siblings might snuggle, and people definitely snuggle with their pets. Snuggling is only likely to happen with people who are close; if you try to snuggle a stranger, you'll probably get arrested.

Example Sentences

Snuggle might not be the first word that comes to mind when seeing a feathered turkey waddling across a farm.

From Washington Post • Nov. 14, 2022

Snuggle up on your couch and keep warm throughout the chilly season with Serta’s fleece heated throw blanket, which has a reversible, sherpa side.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2022

Snuggle close on the couch when you watch a movie.

From Slate • Sep. 8, 2020

Like most of the non-Christmas songs on my list, its main focus is the joys of snow—it’s a cornerstone of the small but essential Let’s Snuggle While It Snows genre.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 19, 2018

“It makes me want to sleep. Snuggle my head right up in your armpit and snore for three days.”

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner

Related Words

• curl up
• huddle