swaddle

[ swod-l ]

verb (used with object)

, swad·dled, swad·dling.

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 Words From

• 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

Related Words

• clothe
• sheathe