nestle
Americanverb (used without object)
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to lie close and snug, like a bird in a nest; snuggle or cuddle.
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to lie or be located in a sheltered spot; be naturally or pleasantly situated.
a cottage nestling in a pine grove.
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Archaic.
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to make or have a nest.
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to make one's home; settle in a home.
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verb (used with object)
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to settle or ensconce snugly.
He nestled himself into the hay for a short nap.
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to put or press confidingly or affectionately.
She nestled her head on his shoulder.
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to provide with or settle in a nest, as a bird.
verb
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(intr; often foll by up or down) to snuggle, settle, or cuddle closely
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(intr) to be in a sheltered or protected position; lie snugly
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(tr) to shelter or place snugly or partly concealed, as in a nest
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of nestle
before 1000; Middle English nestlen, Old English nestlian, cognate with Dutch nestelen. See nest, -le
Explanation
To nestle into something is to get snug, comfy, and warm in it. You might nestle into your mother’s shoulder, or into a pile of blankets on the couch. People must think that birds live comfortable lives, because they describe really cozy, safe, and comfortable places as nests: places to nestle into. And it’s not just people and birds that nestle. A cottage might be nestled into the crook of a hill, or a mouse nestled into a pile of wood shavings.
Vocabulary lists containing nestle
100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
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The Circuit
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"Digging" by Seamus Heaney
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“You can nestle under a blanket and watch the storms on the mountains,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
When he reached 84, he went past Hobbs' Ashes tally of 3,636 to nestle behind Bradman, then went to three figures with a paddle off Bethell for three.
From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026
In contrast, Meghan is selling a sun-soaked lifestyle where jars of dried rose blossoms nestle on pantry shelves, and backyards are abundant in fresh herbs, salad greens and passionfruit vines.
From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025
Rather, they nestle down in a corner, modestly flashing by, one after the next, as the slide tray clicks in nonstop rotation.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2024
I loved to nestle by Aunt Leanne’s side.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
