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nuzzle

[nuhz-uh l]
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verb (used without object), nuz·zled, nuz·zling.
  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.
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verb (used with object), nuz·zled, nuz·zling.
  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.
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noun
  1. an affectionate embrace or cuddle.
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Origin of nuzzle

1375–1425; late Middle English noselen to grovel; origin uncertain
Related formsun·nuz·zled, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for nuzzled

Historical Examples

  • I said good-bye to him and he nuzzled for the last time at my side pocket.

    Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, March 8, 1916

    Various

  • She nuzzled him as a pet horse might do, but made not the slightest effort to bite.

  • He nuzzled her cheek like an old horse out at pasture, and “Old honey!”

    The Innocents

    Sinclair Lewis

  • And he nuzzled up to his master, in a way that made his tears come.

    Cradock Nowell, Vol. 1 (of 3)

    Richard Doddridge Blackmore

  • He grinned and nuzzled her affectionately, and decided to stay a while longer.

    Fair and Warmer

    E. G. von Wald

British Dictionary definitions for nuzzled

nuzzle

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
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Word Origin

C15: nosele, from nose (n)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for nuzzled

nuzzle

v.

early 15c., "to bring the nose to the ground," back-formation from noselyng "on the nose, prostrate," frequentative of nose (v.); meaning "burrow with the nose" is first attested 1520s; that of "lie snug" is from 1590s, influenced by nestle, or by nursle, frequentative of nurse. Related: Nuzzled; nuzzling.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper