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

In the center of the pan, nestle a block of feta.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 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

“People who live in the Palisades don’t want to leave. It’s a magical place — they nestle into the mountains right by the ocean,” Walker said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2025

Lavishly layered vocals nestle among glimmering electronic sounds and programmed beats, and on “Orquídeas,” her voice sounds completely untethered by gravity.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2024

For the wolf was so large that when she lay on her side, curved neatly against one wall of the cave, all three Incorrigibles could nestle cozily against her.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood