nestle

verb

nes·​tle ˈne-səl 

nestled; nestling ˈne-s(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

archaic : nest sense 1

2

: to settle snugly or comfortably

3

: to lie in an inconspicuous or sheltered manner

transitive verb

1

: to settle, shelter, or house in or as if in a nest

the children were nestled all snug in their beds

—Clement Moore

2

: to press closely and affectionately

nestles a kitten in her arms

nestler

ˈne-s(ə-)lər 

noun

Synonyms

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

Examples of nestle in a Sentence

He nestled his head against his mother's shoulder.

She carefully nestled the hamster into its cage.

The fly ball nestled into the outfielder's glove.

Recent Examples on the Web

It is nestled amidst some of the most iconic Art Deco structures in the world, including the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall and other buildings of the Rockefeller Center. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2024

The jam jars would nestle against bottles of hot sauce; and on our plates, dollops of jam would come precariously close to the squash casserole or green beans. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2024

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a grassy campus nestled about 8 miles from Arrowhead Stadium, Paige Parquette sat between two friends outside the university's student center. —Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2024

Conceal tiny haunted houses and eerie figurines among potted plants, peeking out from behind books, nestled between railing spindles, or tucked away in kitchen cupboards. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English nestlian, from nest

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

nestle

verb

nes·​tle ˈnes-əl 

nestled; nestling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to lie close and snug : cuddle

2

: to settle as if in a nest

nestler

-(ə-)lər 

noun