nuzzle
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to burrow or root with the nose, snout, etc., as an animal does.
a rabbit nuzzling into the snow.
-
to thrust the nose, muzzle, etc..
The dog nuzzled up to his master.
-
to lie very close to someone or something; cuddle or snuggle up.
verb (used with object)
-
to root up with the nose, snout, etc..
training pigs to nuzzle truffles from the ground.
-
to touch or rub with the nose, snout, muzzle, etc.
-
to thrust the nose, muzzle, snout, etc., against or into.
The horse was nuzzling my pocket for sugar.
-
to thrust (the nose or head), as into something.
-
to lie very close to; cuddle or snuggle up to.
noun
verb
-
to push or rub gently against the nose or snout
-
(intr) to nestle; lie close
-
(tr) to dig out with the snout
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have nuzzledperfect
-
has nuzzledperfect 3rd person singular
-
has been nuzzlingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been nuzzlingperfect progressive
-
are nuzzlingprogressive
-
nuzzlingparticiple
-
nuzzlessingular 3rd person
-
am nuzzlingprogressive 1st person singular
-
is nuzzlingprogressive 3rd person singular
Past
-
had nuzzledperfect
-
were nuzzlingprogressive plural
-
had been nuzzlingperfect progressive
-
nuzzledsimple
-
was nuzzlingprogressive singular
-
nuzzledparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of nuzzle
1375–1425; late Middle English noselen to grovel; origin uncertain
Explanation
To nuzzle is to affectionately rub your nose and face against someone (or something). It's hard to get out of bed in the morning when your cat lies down on your chest and nuzzles you. A mother might nuzzle her new baby's head, and a horse will nuzzle a person's hand — hoping for an apple or sugar cube. In the fifteenth century, this word instead meant "to bring the nose to the ground," from the verb nose, "pry or smell with the nose." The current meaning was influenced by words like nestle and the now-obsolete "nursle," meaning "to nurse."
Vocabulary lists containing nuzzle
Unit 4: Powerful Openings
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Home of the Brave
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Old Yeller
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Picture the soft, cool nuzzle of your dog.
From Seattle Times • May 4, 2024
As soon as the two goats were introduced, Harold showed lots of interest and went over to nuzzle them.
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2024
That soft snout allowed him to nuzzle or sniff actors without injuring them, and gave them a sense of weight and scale to play opposite, whether he was crashing into an ambulance or dancing.
From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2023
Then they stick their beaks below the surface and “chatter” their mouths open and closed, darting their tongues in and out to create suction as they nuzzle the pond’s bottom.
From Science Magazine • Jan. 9, 2023
He tries to nuzzle my ear before our food comes and it gives me a chill and I jump.
From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King
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.
