cuddle

[ kuhd-l ]

verb (used with object)

, cud·dled, cud·dling.

1. to hold close in an affectionate manner; hug tenderly; fondle.

verb (used without object)

, cud·dled, cud·dling.

1. to lie close and snug; nestle.
2. to curl up in going to sleep.

noun

1. act of cuddling; hug; embrace.

cuddle

/ ˈkʌdəl /

verb

1. to hold (another person or thing) close or (of two people, etc) to hold each other close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth; embrace; hug
2. intrfoll byup to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position

noun

1. a close embrace, esp when prolonged

Derived Forms

• ˈcuddlesome, adjective
• ˈcuddly, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuddle¹

1510–20; perhaps back formation from Middle English cudliche intimate, affectionate, Old English cūthlīc, or from Middle English cuthlechen, Old English cūthlǣcan to make friends with; couth ², -ly

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuddle¹

C18: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The putative “cuddle hormone,” oxytocin, has been found to not only facilitate group bonding but also, as a result, make killing those in enemy groups less troubling.

From Salon

His characterisation of one such encounter as a "sleepy cuddle" drew particular scorn from his critics.

From BBC

Details of innappropriate behaviour included Salmond admitting having a "sleepy cuddle" with one complainer, and what Mr Jackson called "a bit of how's your father" with another - both younger members of his staff, neither of them his wife.

From BBC

You could write your beautiful thoughts about Kris on a cardboard coffin and help yourself to a toy cat to cuddle - just as Kris relied on her own cat, Lady Marmalade, for comfort.

From BBC

“It’s very soft on all your joints, and if you like to cuddle, your arm sinks into the bed so there’s no pressure on it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caress
• clasp
• curl up
• snuggle