cuddle

[ kuhd-l ]
/ ˈkʌd l /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR cuddle ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), cud·dled, cud·dling.

to hold close in an affectionate manner; hug tenderly; fondle.

verb (used without object), cud·dled, cud·dling.

to lie close and snug; nestle.
to curl up in going to sleep.

noun

act of cuddling; hug; embrace.

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Origin of cuddle

1510–20; perhaps back formation from Middle English cudliche intimate, affectionate, Old English cūthlīc, or from Middle English cuthlechen, Old English cūthlǣcan to make friends with; see couth2, -ly

Words nearby cuddle

cucurbitaceous, cud, cuda, cudahy, cudbear, cuddle, cuddly, cuddy, cudgel, cudgel one's brains, cudgerie
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to cuddle

caress, snuggle, clasp, nuzzle, fondle, huddle, hug, love, enfold, snug, pet, cosset, bundle, dandle, nestle, burrow, embrace, kiss, touch

Example sentences from the Web for cuddle

British Dictionary definitions for cuddle

cuddle
/ (ˈkʌdəl) /

verb

to hold (another person or thing) close or (of two people, etc) to hold each other close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth; embrace; hug
(intr foll by up) to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position

noun

a close embrace, esp when prolonged

Derived forms of cuddle

cuddlesome, adjectivecuddly, adjective

Word Origin for cuddle

C18: of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012