cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl 

cuddled; cuddling ˈkəd-liŋ 

ˈkə-dᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

: to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection

He cuddled the puppy.

intransitive verb

: to lie close or snug : nestle, snuggle

… dewy glens where couples cuddle on blankets …

—Bob Sipchen

cuddler

ˈkəd-lər 

ˈkə-dᵊl-ər

noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Synonyms

Verb

• nestle
• nuzzle
• snoozle [chiefly dialect]
• snuggle

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb

Let's cuddle by the fire.

kittens cuddling in a basket

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Hera is thriving—eating well, playing, cuddling, using the litter box without any issues, and even starting to learn how to walk on a leash. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

In an image exclusively shared with PEOPLE, the Microsoft co-founder, 69, smiles while cuddling up with Hurd outside the Curran Theatre in San Francisco. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025

Noun

Honor your earthiness by offering your paramour a cuddle sesh. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Profile: Luna loves long walks, plenty of playtime and getting cuddles from her favorite people. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1520, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cuddle

verb

cud·​dle

ˈkəd-ᵊl

cuddled; cuddling

ˈkəd-liŋ,

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

: to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection

2

: to lie close : nestle, snuggle

cuddle noun

cuddly

ˈkəd-lē

-ᵊl-ē

adjective