swaddle

[swod-l]

verb (used with object)

swaddled, swaddling 

1. to bind (an infant, especially a newborn infant) with long, narrow strips of cloth to prevent free movement; wrap tightly with clothes.

2. to wrap (anything) round with bandages.

noun

1. a long, narrow strip of cloth used for swaddling or bandaging.

swaddle

/ ˈswɒdəl /

verb

1. to wind a bandage round

2. to wrap (a baby) in swaddling clothes

3. to restrain as if by wrapping with bandages; smother

noun

1. swaddling clothes

Other Word Forms

• unswaddled adjective
• unswaddling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of swaddle¹

1375–1425; late Middle English, in suadiling (gerund); akin by gradation to Middle English swethel (noun), Old English; swathe ¹, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of swaddle¹

C15: from Old English swæthel swaddling clothes; related to swathian to _swathe

Example Sentences

Exhausted by self-pity, and swaddled tightly in her cloak like an infant, Penelope fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Read more on Literature

Like many people, my garage and closets are littered with the detritus of modern life—from stacks of paperbacks and fancy china to a fussy tea maker, still swaddled in its box.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The trend consists of people swaddled in silicone masks and mouth tape, filming themselves removing the skin care products they slept in the night before.

Read more on BBC

Photos from that era show planes heading to Western countries filled with Korean children, with swaddled babies strapped to seats – what the truth and reconciliation commission's inquiry called the "mass transportation of children like cargo".

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"With Love, Meghan" is like a Calm app episode with a host swaddled in creamy neutral tones.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• clothe 
• sheathe