nestle

American  

[nes-uhl] / ˈnɛs əl /

verb (used without object)

nestled, nestling

1. to lie close and snug, like a bird in a nest; snuggle or cuddle.

2. to lie or be located in a sheltered spot; be naturally or pleasantly situated.

   a cottage nestling in a pine grove.

3. Archaic.

   1. to make or have a nest.

   2. to make one's home; settle in a home.

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verb (used with object)

nestled, nestling

1. to settle or ensconce snugly.

   He nestled himself into the hay for a short nap.

2. to put or press confidingly or affectionately.

   She nestled her head on his shoulder.

3. to provide with or settle in a nest, as a bird.

nestle British  

/ ˈnɛsəl /

verb

1. (intr; often foll by up or down) to snuggle, settle, or cuddle closely

2. (intr) to be in a sheltered or protected position; lie snugly

3. (tr) to shelter or place snugly or partly concealed, as in a nest

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Other Word Forms

• nestler noun
• unnestled adjective

Etymology

Origin of nestle

before 1000; Middle English nestlen, Old English nestlian, cognate with Dutch nestelen. See nest, -le

Example Sentences

Then finally, as if it had just materialized before me, we saw a cottage, nestled in the trees, smoke rising from the chimney.

From Literature

As he nestles into its body, we see the primal need most animals, including humans, have for touch, for embrace.

From Los Angeles Times

It was 2005, a fizzy New York era before an epic crash, and prospective members of an exclusive new club were informed of their suitability through hand-delivered invitations, each nestled in a white, hand-stitched box.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its mouth was wide open, and there was a metal ring nestled around it.

From Literature

An orange hue illuminated an otherwise dark stage nestled in a CBS lot in Studio City.

From Los Angeles Times