hug

American  

[huhg] / hʌg /

verb (used with object)

hugged, hugging

1. to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.

2. to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish.

   to hug an opinion.

3. to keep close to, as in sailing, walking, or in moving along or alongside of.

   to hug the shore;

   to hug the road.

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verb (used without object)

hugged, hugging

1. to cling together; lie close.

noun

1. a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.

hug British  

/ hʌɡ /

verb

1. (also intr) to clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace

2. to keep close to a shore, kerb, etc

3. to cling to (beliefs, etc); cherish

4. to congratulate (oneself); be delighted with (oneself)

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noun

1. a tight or fond embrace

Other Word Forms

• huggable
  adjective
• hugger
  noun
• huggingly
  adverb
• unhugged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hug

First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps from Old Norse hugga “to soothe, console”; akin to Old English hogian “to care for”

Explanation

To hug someone is to warmly embrace or grasp them with your arms. Some families hug each other all the time, while others save their hugs for special occasions. Celebrate National Hug Your Cat Day if you want to, but your cat may be less enthusiastic about it than you are. Hug is both a verb and a noun: when you hug your cat, she gets a hug. You can also hug your knees, holding them close to your body, and your skinny jeans can be said to hug your legs, or fit tightly. Hug probably comes from the Old Norse hugga, "to comfort."

Example Sentences

"I don't expect anything. And when presents come for me, I just hug them. And yeah, I'm really grateful," she told Bulgarian national TV after Thursday's semi-final.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

After Friday's official weigh-ins, Rousey waited for Carano to get off the scales and greeted her with a hug after she made weight for their featherweight bout.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

He gives me a virtual hug and convinces me to convince my husband that the pancakes in the freezer should be saved for my return and a new batch prepared for today’s breakfast.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

“It’s been difficult to not have him around and therapy isn’t the same as a hug or someone telling you, ‘I love you.’”

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

She felt like a friend now, and Duane was always compelled to hug his friends with all his heart, but what if she was the sort who preferred three blinks, like C.C.?

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Related Words

• embrace