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cuddle

/ˈkʌdl/
/ˈkʌdəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: cuddled; cuddles

To cuddle is to embrace in a loving, affectionate way. If you're having a terrible day, you probably wish you could just go home, get in bed, and cuddle with your cat.

Cuddle might come from the Middle English couth, "known" — after all, you only cuddle with those you know. Or, cuddle may have started as baby talk that caught on. When you cuddle, you give a snuggly hug to make yourself or another person feel loved or comforted. As a noun, cuddle describes the time of the embrace, like having one last cuddle before leaving for a long trip.

Definitions of cuddle
  1. verb
    hold (a person or thing) close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth
    “I cuddled the baby”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    bosom, embrace, hug, squeeze
    squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
  2. verb
    move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
    “We cuddled against each other to keep warm”
    nestle, snuggle
    position comfortably
    draw close
    pull towards oneself
    see moresee less
    type of:
    cling to, clutch, hold close, hold tight
    hold firmly, usually with one's hands
  3. noun
    a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
    synonyms: nestle, snuggle
    see moresee less
    type of:
    embrace, embracement, embracing
    the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
Pronunciation
US
/ˈkʌdl/
UK
/ˈkʌdəl/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘cuddle'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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