nuzzle

[nuhz-uhl]

verb (used without object)

nuzzled, nuzzling 

1. to burrow or root with the nose, snout, etc., as an animal does.

   a rabbit nuzzling into the snow.

2. to thrust the nose, muzzle, etc..

   The dog nuzzled up to his master.

3. to lie very close to someone or something; cuddle or snuggle up.

verb (used with object)

nuzzled, nuzzling 

1. to root up with the nose, snout, etc..

   training pigs to nuzzle truffles from the ground.

2. to touch or rub with the nose, snout, muzzle, etc.

3. to thrust the nose, muzzle, snout, etc., against or into.

   The horse was nuzzling my pocket for sugar.

4. to thrust (the nose or head), as into something.

5. to lie very close to; cuddle or snuggle up to.

noun

1. an affectionate embrace or cuddle.

nuzzle

/ ˈnʌzəl /

verb

1. to push or rub gently against the nose or snout

2. (intr) to nestle; lie close

3. (tr) to dig out with the snout

Other Word Forms

• unnuzzled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuzzle¹

1375–1425; late Middle English noselen to grovel; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuzzle¹

C15: nosele, from _nose (n)

Example Sentences

“I don’t want to lose a finger,” Marc said as a chestnut horse nuzzled his palm.

From Los Angeles Times

Then something subtle but definitive occurs as Chris rises off his couch: a man and a woman lean in and nuzzle his neck, coaxing both a shiver and a smile out of him.

From Salon

He followed this pair across rocky hillside for a couple of hours and took his shot when the male paused to nuzzle the female.

From BBC

He nuzzles the other side of her neck and says: "It smells good".

From BBC

For a veteran with PTSD, a service dog may retrieve medication or perform anxiety-relieving actions like nuzzling or leaning against a person when the dog senses a heightened state of anxiety.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• caress