canoodle

verb

ca·noo·dle kə-ˈnü-dᵊl

canoodled; canoodling kə-ˈnü-dliŋ

-ˈnü-dᵊl-iŋ

; canoodles

Synonyms of canoodle next

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 obscure. Our best guess is that it may come from an English dialect noun of the same spelling meaning "donkey," "fool," or "foolish lover," which itself may be an alteration of the word noodle, meaning "a foolish person." That noodle, in turn, may come 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 jocularly 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 The pair were recently spotted canoodling at Dingwalls Dancehall in London’s Camden neighborhood, and then again holding hands while walking down the street. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 19 Aug. 2024 Venus Williams has been spotted canoodling with a new man, who happens to be actor, movie director, writer, and actor Andrea Preti. —

Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 30 July 2024 After the slayings, the couple was seen canoodling at a house party, according to Global News. —

Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 27 July 2024 The photos show the couple snuggling on the couch, canoodling by the pool, and kissing in the garden. —

Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for canoodle

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