cuddle

American  

[kuhd-l] / ˈkʌd l /

verb (used with object)

cuddled, cuddling

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

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verb (used without object)

cuddled, cuddling

1. to lie close and snug; nestle.

2. to curl up in going to sleep.

noun

1. act of cuddling; hug; embrace.

cuddle British  

/ ˈkʌdəl /

verb

1. 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

2. to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position

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noun

1. a close embrace, esp when prolonged

Other Word Forms

• cuddlesome adjective
• cuddly adjective

Etymology

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; couth ², -ly

Example Sentences

They yawned and cuddled against each other or wrapped themselves in leaves, feathers, and bits of wool.

From Literature

The part of me that knew how good it would feel to be held and cuddled was yearning.

From Literature

“He would sleep in a pile with all his brothers and sisters, all cuddled up.”

From Literature

They also managed to get a cuddle bed installed.

From BBC

I hug Naomi and cuddle with Preciada, not wanting to let her go.

From Literature

Related Words

• caress
• clasp
• curl up
• snuggle