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 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

"Tommy will rest his head on mine, he likes to be cuddled but this is the first time he has shown me any real emotion, and it means so much," James adds.

From BBC

I bolt up from the massive tree root I’m cuddled against.

From Literature

For a panda to survive in the wild, a panda must be wild—and that can’t happen if it’s been cuddled and coddled and cared for by humans before it’s released.

From Literature

Related Words

• caress
• clasp
• curl up
• snuggle