This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
hug
[ huhg ]
/ hÊg /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), hugged, hug·ging.
to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.
to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish: to hug an opinion.
to keep close to, as in sailing, walking, or in moving along or alongside of: to hug the shore; to hug the road.
verb (used without object), hugged, hug·ging.
to cling together; lie close.
noun
a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of hug
1560â70; perhaps <Old Norse hugga to soothe, console; akin to Old English hogian to care for
OTHER WORDS FROM hug
hugger, nounhug·ging·ly, adverbun·hugged, adjectiveWords nearby hug
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use hug in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for hug
hug
/ (hÊÉĄ) /
verb hugs, hugging or hugged (mainly tr)
(also intr) to clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace
to keep close to a shore, kerb, etc
to cling to (beliefs, etc); cherish
to congratulate (oneself); be delighted with (oneself)
noun
a tight or fond embrace
Derived forms of hug
huggable, adjectivehugger, nounWord Origin for hug
C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hugga to comfort, Old English hogian to take care of
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