cuddle

[kuhd-l]

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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.

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for cuddle

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

Examples from the Web for cuddle

Contemporary Examples of cuddle

Even her brother, Sheriff, who tried to pick her up to cuddle her, was pushed away with a firm “no” and a shriek.
The Life of a Liberian Child with Ebola
Sarah Crowe
November 5, 2014
Trawick appears in one of the photos; they cuddle as he holds a guitar.
Britney Spears and Jason Trawick: He’s Her Fiancé, Manager, and Conservator
Ramin Setoodeh
September 11, 2012

Historical Examples of cuddle

He was not fond of petting, but allowed one or two honored beings to cuddle him.
Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Vol. 5
Louisa M. Alcott
Cuddle up against me, darling, and try and go to sleep then.
Daybreak
Florence A. Sitwell
I expect they cuddle you and play with you and hold you 'most exactly like mothers.
The Girl Scouts at Home
Katherine Keene Galt
If you do that again, Allyn, sister won't have any little brother to cuddle.
Teddy: Her Book
Anna Chapin Ray
You are the Devil's own son, Ivan; come and let me cuddle you.
The Day of Wrath
Maurus Jkai

British Dictionary definitions for cuddle

cuddle

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 Formscuddlesome, 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

Word Origin and History for cuddle

early 16c. (implied in cudlyng), perhaps a variant of obsolete cull, coll "to embrace" (see collar (n.)); or perhaps from Middle English *couthelen, from couth "known," hence "comfortable with." It has a spotty early history and seems to have been a nursery word at first. Related: Cuddled; cuddling.