snugly

[ snuhg-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is warmly comfortable or cozy, sheltered, safe, etc.:

   Our cottages are nestled snugly in 35 acres of gardens and natural bush.

   The marina is snugly placed in the southwest corner of the harbor, at the root of the breakwater.

2. closely or tightly to the contours of a person’s body or other object:

   The threaded pipe should fit snugly into the hole without any gap that dirt can get through.

   The nurse wrapped the blood pressure cuff snugly around my upper arm.

3. neatly and compactly:

   That leftover tuna salad will fit snugly in this 1-cup airtight container.

4. with enough money or other supports or advantages to feel secure and comfortable:

   The financier despised these fat little clients living so snugly on their unearned incomes.

Other Words From

• un·snug·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of snugly¹

snug ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Harnesses automatically wrap over us snugly and lock into place as screens across the dashboard light up.

From Literature

Poke a hole through the weed barrier into the soil, so that about the bottom foot of each willow rod will fit snugly inside.

From Seattle Times

They fit quite snugly, and must have crawled in when they were even smaller, Dr. Distel said.

From New York Times

Everybody laughs, including Stewart, who continues stapling until the chair seat's ugliness is snugly disguised.

From Salon

However strange it sounds, that contradiction fits snugly in explanations of what climate change is doing to Earth, scientists said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• adequately
• easily