canoodle

verb

ca·​noo·​dle kə-ˈnü-dᵊl 

canoodled; canoodling kə-ˈnü-dliŋ  -ˈnü-dᵊl-iŋ  ; canoodles

intransitive verb

informal

: to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing : pet, fondle

lovers canoodling in the park

… used to sit in the sun porch in the evening, among the geraniums and the begonias, whispering, holding hands, canoodling.

—Edna O'Brien

… widows in their sixties canoodle and exchange sweet nothings with boys a third of their age.

—Matthew Gwyther

Did you know?

The Foolish History of Canoodle

The origins of canoodle are uncertain, but may have their genesis in an English dialect noun of the same spelling meaning “donkey,” “fool,” or “foolish lover.” That canoodle may itself be an alteration of the word noodle, used to mean “a foolish person.” (The fool noodle likely comes from noddle, a word for the head.) The guess seems reasonable given that, since its appearance in the language around the mid-19th century, canoodle has been most often used lightheartedly for playful public displays of affection by couples who are head over heels in love.

Examples of canoodle in a Sentence

Two lovers were canoodling on a park bench.

Recent Examples on the Web

That means no reporters scribbling down who’s canoodling with whom at the bar. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026

In October 2023, the pair were spotted walking and canoodling around the Fort Worth Stockyards. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Feb. 2026

A couple canoodled in a corner. —Diaa Hadid, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026

Stokes, 33, shared a heartfelt Instagram post Thursday looking back on 2025 and featuring several photos of him and Ballerini canoodling and looking cozy. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from English dialect canoodle, noun, donkey, fool, foolish lover

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for canoodle

• boodle
• doodle
• feudal
• noodle
• poodle

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!