swaddle

verb

swad·​dle ˈswä-dᵊl 

swaddled; swaddling

ˈswäd-liŋ,

ˈswä-dᵊl-iŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to wrap (an infant) with swaddling clothes

b

: envelop, swathe

legs swaddled in bandages

2

: restrain, restrict

marriage … swaddled him in a domesticity he came to loathe

—Nina Auerbach

Examples of swaddle in a Sentence

He swaddled the baby in a blanket.

Recent Examples on the Web

Furnishings are intentionally sturdy and swaddled in luxe but hardy fabrics to withstand spills and sandy paws. —Mark David, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

The relaxed sleeves and overall boxy style emulate the feeling of being swaddled by clouds, and the half-zip sweater’s quiet-luxury ivory color works great with dark, formal pants or indigo-wash jeans. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2025

Gislason was wheeled through the emergency department on a stretcher, with Myles swaddled in blankets on her chest. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025

The first shows the newborn with her parents swaddled in a blanket and wearing a large bow headband. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English swadelen, swathelen, probably alteration of swedelen, swethelen, from swethel swaddling band, from Old English; akin to Old English swathian to swathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for swaddle

• caudal
• caudle
• dawdle
• model
• twaddle
• waddle
• remodel

Kids Definition

swaddle

verb

swad·​dle ˈswäd-ᵊl 

swaddled; swaddling ˈswäd-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

: to wrap an infant with swaddling clothes