swaddle

[swod-l]

verb (used with object)

swaddled, swaddling 

1. to bind (an infant, especially a newborn infant) with long, narrow strips of cloth to prevent free movement; wrap tightly with clothes.

2. to wrap (anything) round with bandages.

noun

1. a long, narrow strip of cloth used for swaddling or bandaging.

swaddle

/ ˈswɒdəl /

verb

1. to wind a bandage round

2. to wrap (a baby) in swaddling clothes

3. to restrain as if by wrapping with bandages; smother

noun

1. swaddling clothes

Other Word Forms

• unswaddled adjective
• unswaddling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of swaddle¹

1375–1425; late Middle English, in suadiling (gerund); akin by gradation to Middle English swethel (noun), Old English; swathe ¹, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of swaddle¹

C15: from Old English swæthel swaddling clothes; related to swathian to _swathe

Example Sentences

The trend consists of people swaddled in silicone masks and mouth tape, filming themselves removing the skin care products they slept in the night before.

Read more on BBC

Photos from that era show planes heading to Western countries filled with Korean children, with swaddled babies strapped to seats – what the truth and reconciliation commission's inquiry called the "mass transportation of children like cargo".

Read more on BBC

"With Love, Meghan" is like a Calm app episode with a host swaddled in creamy neutral tones.

Read more on Salon

Residents still living next to the wrecked and unsafe building were going about their business, walking to the shops or their cars, swaddled against the intense cold.

Read more on BBC

People stamped their feet, cradled hands in their armpits, swaddled their faces.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clothe 
• sheathe