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

• un·swaddled adjective
• un·swaddling 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

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

From Salon

Residents still living next to the wrecked and unsafe building were going about their business, walking to the shops or their cars, swaddled against the intense cold.

From BBC

People stamped their feet, cradled hands in their armpits, swaddled their faces.

From Los Angeles Times

Toler said she enjoyed her quiet morning swaddling the monkey and was happy it would receive the care it needs at the Oakland Zoo.

From Los Angeles Times

Later that morning she swaddled a second crying child and pushed them over after saying: "I’m actually going to kick him in a minute."

From BBC

Related Words

• clothe
• sheathe