nuzzle

verb

nuz·​zle ˈnə-zəl How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
nuzzled; nuzzling ˈnəz-liŋ How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
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

Examples of nuzzle in a Sentence

The dog nuzzled my leg. He nuzzled into her neck.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rugged, urban forest that nuzzles the White River in bustling Midtown provides a muzzled respite from its clangorous surroundings. John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 In other snaps, the billionaire was spotted rubbing Sánchez's arms and nuzzling her neck. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 Penny nuzzled herself under the plants and against the fence. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 But an intimate scene that appears to be building toward a kiss instead ends with them nuzzling foreheads. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuzzle

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuzzle was in 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nuzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuzzle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nuzzle

verb
nuz·​zle ˈnəz-əl How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
nuzzled; nuzzling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce nuzzle (audio)
1
: to push or rub with the nose
2
: to lie close : nestle

More from Merriam-Webster on nuzzle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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