nuzzle

verb

nuz·​zle ˈnə-zəl 

nuzzled; nuzzling ˈnəz-liŋ 

ˈnə-zə-

intransitive verb

1

: to work with or as if with the nose

especially : to root, rub, or snuff something

2

: to lie close or snug

transitive verb

1

: to root, rub, or touch with or as if with the nose

2

: to rub or push gently against something

nuzzled her face against the cushion

Synonyms

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

Examples of nuzzle in a Sentence

The dog nuzzled my leg.

He nuzzled into her neck.

Recent Examples on the Web

Biden highlights chip investments during New York trip How cleaning product chemicals called ‘quats’ may affect the brain Chiropractor works on giraffe, is nuzzled: ‘Giraffes are just giant dogs?’ Thursday, April 25 morning weather update Everyone should have a favorite tree. —Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2024

Biscuit tenderly placed a paw over Muffin, as if to shield him, while gently nuzzling his tiny face. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

This will increase total seating capacity from five to six, and allow a couple (or throuple) to nuzzle up to each other in the cab. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Oct. 2024

Sometimes bearded dragons even nuzzle into you, like the crook of your neck, to get extra toasty, Thompson said. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English noselen to bring the nose toward the ground, from nose

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

nuzzle

verb

nuz·​zle ˈnəz-əl 

nuzzled; nuzzling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to push or rub with the nose

2

: to lie close : nestle