snuggle

American  

[snuhg-uhl] / ˈsnʌg əl /

verb (used without object)

snuggled, snuggling

1. to lie or press closely, as for comfort or from affection; nestle; cuddle.

   When I wake up early, the children will often come and snuggle beside me when they hear me moving.

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verb (used with object)

snuggled, snuggling

1. to draw or press closely against, as for comfort or from affection.

   She loves spending time snuggling her three dogs, hiking, and traveling.

noun

1. the act of lying or pressing closely against someone or something for comfort or from affection.

   We're having our regular evening snuggle with the cat.

verb phrase

1. snuggle up

   1. to sit or lie comfortably, warmly, and cozily, especially while holding or cuddling something or someone.

      The holidays are the perfect time to snuggle up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a good film.

   2. to become friendly with, especially to further one's own ends; cozy up.

      The CEO is snuggling up to the mayor, hoping to get support from the city for this new project.

snuggle British  

/ ˈsnʌɡəl /

verb

1. (usually intr; usually foll by down, up, or together) to nestle into or draw close to (somebody or something) for warmth or from affection

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noun

1. the act of snuggling

Etymology

Origin of snuggle

First recorded in 1680–90; snug + -le

Explanation

To snuggle is to cuddle with someone. Snuggling is a little like hugging, and it often takes place in bed. This is a cutesy word for cute behavior: nestling or nuzzling someone. People snuggle to warm each other up or to be affectionate. People dating or married often snuggle. Close friends or siblings might snuggle, and people definitely snuggle with their pets. Snuggling is only likely to happen with people who are close; if you try to snuggle a stranger, you'll probably get arrested.

Example Sentences

He hopes you’ll want to take it home, snuggle with it and cherish it as an essential member of your household.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Adjacent to that may be the most enjoyed room in the house: a comfortable family room where everyone can snuggle up and watch TV.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 16, 2025

This is because we snuggle with and sleep in bed with our cats.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2025

A couple of decades ago, the Hollywood Bowl started commissioning a different artist each season to design a throw blanket that’s as good to look at as it is to snuggle under.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

Nancy skipped the children’s baths because of the cut on her hand and gave them their usual snuggle in bed.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Related Words

• curl up
• huddle