nuzzle

[ nuhz-uhl ]

/ ˈnʌz əl /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: nuzzle / nuzzled on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), nuz·zled, nuz·zling.

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), nuz·zled, nuz·zling.

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

an affectionate embrace or cuddle.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

affect

effect

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of nuzzle

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

OTHER WORDS FROM nuzzle

un·nuz·zled, adjective

How to use nuzzle in a sentence

A giant silk-screen of Sophia Loren hung in the background; the couple's pug nuzzled at the trio's feet.
Secrets of Online Sex|Jessica Bennett|April 24, 2011|DAILY BEAST
A busy little tug nuzzled up to take us in tow for open sea.
Tramping on Life|Harry Kemp
He led the way as he spoke, leading loosely by the bridle the horse which followed him, and nuzzled thoughtfully at his shoulder.
The Isle of Unrest|Henry Seton Merriman
His head was drawn down through the bars and he nuzzled a soft substance on the cracksman's breast.
The Incendiary|W. A. (William Augustine) Leahy

Far, far above us the monster mountains nuzzled among the clouds till cloud and mountain were hard to tell apart.
The Trail of '98|Robert W. Service
It whinnied in a low tone as it spied Nat's pony, and coming alongside, nuzzled up against it.
The Motor Rangers Through the Sierras|Marvin West

British Dictionary definitions for nuzzle

nuzzle

/ (ˈnʌzəl) /

verb

to push or rub gently against the nose or snout

(intr) to nestle; lie close

(tr) to dig out with the snout

Word Origin for nuzzle

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

nuzzle

Origin of nuzzle

OTHER WORDS FROM nuzzle

Words related to nuzzle

How to use nuzzle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for nuzzle

Word Origin for nuzzle