cuddle
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to lie close and snug; nestle.
-
to curl up in going to sleep.
noun
verb
-
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
-
to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position
noun
Other Word Forms
- cuddlesome adjective
- cuddly adjective
Etymology
Origin of cuddle
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They also managed to get a cuddle bed installed.
From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026
He is always happy to see me, and he always wants a scratch or a cuddle.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025
Ready for the week ahead I’ll come home, cuddle the dogs, then I make sure I’m ready for the week.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025
Chihuahuas were bred for Mexico’s warm climate and, thus, might appreciate a sweater or a cuddle when it’s chilly outside.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2025
Whenever he thought of Susan, he remembered long walks in the park, cozy cuddle time on the couch, and a bowl that was always filled with kibble.
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
