cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
cuddled; cuddling ˈkəd-liŋ How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
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 How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
ˈkə-dᵊl-ər
noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb Let's cuddle by the fire. kittens cuddling in a basket
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Sharing a sweet black and white photo on her Instagram Story, Bhabie (born Danielle Marie Bregoli) cuddled up with the newborn, whose face was covered with a hat and a blanket. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Some of his favorite things to do include napping, cuddling, sunbathing and playing fetch. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2024 Continue with your usual routine and preserve these moments (like chatting before going to sleep, brushing teeth, or cuddling in the morning) will ensure the relationship isn't too disrupted and major touchtones stay in place. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 What was clear, though, was that the child was attached to Rachel, cuddling up next to her to sleep. Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Gone were the days when my daughter was eager to cuddle up and watch a movie with me or sit at the kitchen table and draw together or talk to me in the car. TIME, 5 Mar. 2024 Adam and Harry enter Adam’s flat and cuddle on his bed. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 In the snippet, Gomez cuddled with a puppy as a group of couples made out nearby, leaving her out of the mix. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2024 Research has shown that caring for a pet and having a companion to cuddle and interact with can be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024
Noun
So, parents of little kids, indulge yourself in the cuddles. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Feb. 2024 The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur. Seth Carnell, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 His cuddles are guaranteed to brighten even the gloomiest of days. Stephanie Baillargeon-McCurry and, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 This can manifest as a longing for tactile sensations, including hugs, cuddles, hand-holding or other forms of physical intimacy. Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 The kids love their time with the polar cub, and, in a show of Christmas generosity, Bob lets Mr. Fischoeder and the other millionaires get in a cuddle as well. EW.com, 27 Nov. 2023 The pair posed on a bed for the sweet snaps, with the smiling tot giving his mom a cuddle as Kardashian, 39, posed proudly beside him. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 With the extra doses of cuddles comes the responsibility for keeping pets safe and healthy during the chilly winter months. Laurie Larsh, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 Other options: one-on-one cuddle/story time, fetch, toy time. Matt Keenan, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cuddle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuddle was in 1520

Dictionary Entries Near cuddle

Cite this Entry

“Cuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuddle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cuddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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