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.
Ellie found the training tiring, but Vito would make her "pasta and wraps" and cuddle her when she struggled.
From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025
He is always happy to see me, and he always wants a scratch or a cuddle.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025
Miss Alker stresses it's important to eat a balanced diet, do exercise and spend time outside - even when all you want to do is cuddle up under the duvet.
From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025
When Zero wants to cuddle, she added, nothing gets in his way.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025
One of the chimps needs a cuddle, so I let him ride on my hip as I make my way around the tent.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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.
