nestle

American  

[nes-uhl] / ˈnɛs əl /

verb (used without object)

nestled, nestling

1. to lie close and snug, like a bird in a nest; snuggle or cuddle.

2. to lie or be located in a sheltered spot; be naturally or pleasantly situated.

   a cottage nestling in a pine grove.

3. Archaic.

   1. to make or have a nest.

   2. to make one's home; settle in a home.

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verb (used with object)

nestled, nestling

1. to settle or ensconce snugly.

   He nestled himself into the hay for a short nap.

2. to put or press confidingly or affectionately.

   She nestled her head on his shoulder.

3. to provide with or settle in a nest, as a bird.

nestle British  

/ ˈnɛsəl /

verb

1. (intr; often foll by up or down) to snuggle, settle, or cuddle closely

2. (intr) to be in a sheltered or protected position; lie snugly

3. (tr) to shelter or place snugly or partly concealed, as in a nest

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Other Word Forms

• nestler noun
• unnestled adjective

Etymology

Origin of nestle

before 1000; Middle English nestlen, Old English nestlian, cognate with Dutch nestelen. See nest, -le

Example Sentences

In the center of the pan, nestle a block of feta.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

When he reached 84, he went past Hobbs' Ashes tally of 3,636 to nestle behind Bradman, then went to three figures with a paddle off Bethell for three.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Rather, they nestle down in a corner, modestly flashing by, one after the next, as the slide tray clicks in nonstop rotation.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2024

A week after hanging five on CF Montreal at home, the Sounders reverted to creating chances and not getting one to nestle in the back of the net on the road against FC Dallas.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

What I really want is to nestle deeper beneath the fuzzy blanket in her comfortable chair and go back to sleep for the rest of the night.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy