cuddly

American  

[kuhd-lee] / ˈkʌd li /

Also cuddlesome

adjective

cuddlier, cuddliest

1. suitable for or inviting cuddling.

   a cuddly teddy bear.

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Etymology

Origin of cuddly

First recorded in 1860–65; cuddle + -y ¹

Explanation

Something (or someone) that's soft, snuggly, and huggable is cuddly. Your pet rabbit is so cuddly that you wish you could bring her to school, so you'd be able to hold and hug her all day long. Some people are naturally cuddly, either because they love to hug you, or because they're particularly plump and comfortable. The same is true for animals and dolls — there are some things that seem to be made for cuddling. Cuddly comes from the adorable word cuddle, which probably stems from the obsolete verb cull, "to embrace," or possibly the Middle English couth, "known" or "comfortable with."

Example Sentences

Kenia Os played up her cute and cuddly side in her previous album, 2024’s “Pink Aura” — but with her upcoming album “K de Karma,” out Friday, Os is putting that era to bed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

What they uncovered would both shock and devastate Tyrone's family, who described his death as "horrific" and recalled Tyrone as being a "cuddly little baby bear".

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Step inside, though, and you're greeted by cuddly toys, candles, trinkets and messages of hope scribbled on large sheets.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Malinin's majestic performance delighted the crowd, who bombarded the ice with dozens of cuddly toy dragons in tribute after his display.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

“Since we’re on the subject of art appreciation,” Simon said, “what’s up with Edward Ashton’s portrait? The rest have gone positively cuddly, but his looks the same as ever.”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• lovable