canoodle

American  

[kuh-nood-l] / kəˈnud l /

verb (used with or without object)

Slang.

canoodled, canoodling

1. to caress, fondle, or pet amorously.

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canoodle British  

/ kəˈnuːdəl /

verb

1. slang to kiss and cuddle; pet; fondle

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Other Word Forms

• canoodler
  noun

Etymology

Origin of canoodle

1855–60; perhaps ca(ress) + noodle ²

Explanation

To canoodle is to embrace and fondle. Romantic couples canoodle. When people are getting a little physical romantically, they're canoodling. This somewhat silly-sounding word applies to somewhat innocent physical affection. For some reason, this word is used frequently by celebrity reporters who love to write about who a hunky actor or sultry starlet is canoodling with at a cafe. However, anyone can canoodle as long as you have a date.

Example Sentences

At times in “Hamnet,” 1582, the year of their marriage, could pass for a millennium earlier, a rustic era where neither has anything more pressing to do than canoodle under the trees.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

In one clever bit of staging, Hamlet tarries in the forefront as the king and queen canoodle in back and guards race by mid-stage between them, fresh from sighting the former king’s ghost.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2022

There are long chapters that recount Trump’s tumultuous relationships with his wives and girlfriends—their every known canoodle, falling-out, and prenup negotiation tactic reported in rubbernecking detail.

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2019

We’ll still see the Tramp and his Lady canoodle, But they’ll kiss at the end of a gluten-free zoodle.

From Washington Post • Oct. 4, 2018

After escaping Olivia’s clutches, Ben slips out of the compound to canoodle in the streets with Lauren B. and Jubilee gets more and more worked up.

From Time • Feb. 1, 2016