hygge

American  

[hoog-uh] / ˈhʊg ə /

noun

1. (especially in reference to the Danish lifestyle) the feeling of coziness and contentment evoked by simple comforts, as being wrapped in a blanket, having good conversations, enjoying food, etc..

   Holidays are full of hygge for me and my family.

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adjective

1. cozy and comforting.

   This room is very hygge with its soft cushions and warm fireplace.

Usage

What does hygge mean? Hygge is a Danish cultural concept and value of warm, happy coziness, and togetherness, which people make time for in everyday life. Outside of Denmark, hygge is commonly referred to as "the good feeling you get from a well-curated, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing environment."

Etymology

Origin of hygge

First recorded in 1960–65; from Danish: literally, “coziness, comfort”

Explanation

You might feel a strong sense of hygge, or comfort and coziness, while reading beside a fire with a blanket and a cup of tea, or chatting late into the night with old friends. The word hygge exists in both the Danish and Norwegian languages, but it is especially important in Danish culture. A key element of hygge is not just the idea of coziness and comfort, but in finding joy in simple parts of life. The latest model of mattress might make you more physically comfortable, but it won't, by itself, give a sense of hygge. On the other hand, a lazy morning in bed might.

Example Sentences

It’s as if the holiday season hadn’t yet ended, with festive lighting, local choirs singing folk songs, and tables representing various organizations associated with the cozy concept of hygge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Famously stoic Scandinavians have cultivated concepts like "hygge" -- or coziness -- to get them through the long winter nights.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

If not, sorrows can be drowned in the epitome of "hygge" - a cup of hot chocolate.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2023

We previously asked our readers and co-workers what their favorite “recipes” were for making it through this season — for getting cozy, hyping the hygge and adding brightness to their days, in whatever form.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2023

From mini portable fireplaces to weighted blankets and crochet beanies, here’s what to wrap up and give to the hygge obsessives in your life.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023