nuzzle

American  

[nuhz-uhl] / ˈnʌz əl /

verb (used without object)

nuzzled, nuzzling

1. to burrow or root with the nose, snout, etc., as an animal does.

   a rabbit nuzzling into the snow.

2. to thrust the nose, muzzle, etc..

   The dog nuzzled up to his master.

3. to lie very close to someone or something; cuddle or snuggle up.

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verb (used with object)

nuzzled, nuzzling

1. to root up with the nose, snout, etc..

   training pigs to nuzzle truffles from the ground.

2. to touch or rub with the nose, snout, muzzle, etc.

3. to thrust the nose, muzzle, snout, etc., against or into.

   The horse was nuzzling my pocket for sugar.

4. to thrust (the nose or head), as into something.

5. to lie very close to; cuddle or snuggle up to.

noun

1. an affectionate embrace or cuddle.

nuzzle British  

/ ˈnʌzəl /

verb

1. to push or rub gently against the nose or snout

2. (intr) to nestle; lie close

3. (tr) to dig out with the snout

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Other Word Forms

• unnuzzled adjective

Etymology

Origin of nuzzle

1375–1425; late Middle English noselen to grovel; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

He yips with excitement as his wet nose nuzzles my ear and neck, giving me his best version of a hug a dog can give.

From Literature

As she nuzzled her face into the small girl’s nest of hair, a warm look came over her: deeply content, as if her soul were drinking a huge cup of tea.

From Literature

He licked the cub’s muzzle, and Wolf nuzzled his chin, then settled against him with a ‘humph’.

From Literature

After a moment, she pulled it back, nuzzled it for a second, and then put it into the bag.

From Literature

He wags his tail and nuzzles into my hand.

From Literature

Related Words

• caress