cuddle
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to lie close and snug; nestle.
-
to curl up in going to sleep.
noun
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
-
to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“There are a few steps you can take to stay safe during this storm. Consider changing your weekend plans and stay home, cuddle up, watch a movie,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Jaime Moore said.
From Los Angeles Times
Against all odds, Kobi pulled through and eight "agonising" days later, they finally got their first cuddle with their son, which felt like a "miracle".
From BBC
The Prince of Wales posed for selfies with locals, cuddled a baby, and planted new trees during a visit to Paqueta, an island a ferry away from Rio de Janeiro.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
