cuddle

verb cud·dle \ ˈkə-dᵊl \

Updated on: 18 May 2018

Definition of cuddle

cuddled; cuddling play \ˈkəd-liŋ, 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

play \ˈkəd-lər, ˈkə-dᵊl-ər\ noun

See cuddle defined for English-language learners

See cuddle defined for kids

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Let's cuddle by the fire.
kittens cuddling in a basket

Recent Examples of cuddle from the Web

Both headsets ditch the cables, PC or smartphones needed to operate other VR gear, requirements that have surely hampered prior efforts to get the masses to cuddle up to VR.

— edward c. baig, USA TODAY, "Lenovo Google virtual reality headset goes wireless like Oculus," 4 May 2018
On the campaign trail before a general election on May 6th, Mr Hariri has clambered atop cars, posed with fans and cuddled up to children in search of the best snap of himself.

— The Economist, "Lebanon’s prime minister vows to pose for selfies with 6,000 women if he wins," 3 May 2018
The interior is a blend of sophistication and shabby chic, with a few nooks and crannies and loads of banquette space where couples can cuddle side by side.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Tenderloin’s Black Cat evolves into a romantic supper club," 2 May 2018
The specific way he can be seen cuddling against his newborn sans shirt is a practice that some health experts recommend.

— korin miller, SELF, "Why It’s So Important That Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Did Skin-to-Skin Contact With His New Daughter," 25 Apr. 2018
The pair were spotted playing slots and cards, enjoying birthday cake, and cuddling for cameras around the casino.

— nick vadala, Philly.com, "'Bachelorette' Rachel Lindsay celebrates birthday at SugarHouse Casino," 23 Apr. 2018
In several cute clips, which Jenner shared on Snapchat, Stormi can be seen cuddling her dad, Travis Scott, and generally just taking in the extravagance that is a Kardashian-Jenner garden party.

— amy mackelden, Marie Claire, "Kylie Jenner Celebrates Baby Stormi's First Easter With the Fam," 2 Apr. 2018
Gap's post shows a mother cuddling her child to her chest in the first image and then breastfeeding him in the second—all while wearing one of their soft wash cotton t-shirts, natch.

— abby gardner, Glamour, "Gap Shows a Woman Breastfeeding In New Instagram Ad, and the Response Has Been Huge," 26 Feb. 2018
Try cuddling this four-pound pillow that mimics human breathing.

— wired staff, WIRED, "The Gadgets and Gear We Loved This Month," 30 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cuddle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cuddle

origin unknown

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1520

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

cuddle Synonyms

cuddle

noun

Definition of cuddle

: a close embrace

Recent Examples of cuddle from the Web

According the the police department's official Twitter announcement about the winner, the pawfficer's official duties will include: community policing, supervising the K9 unit, and of course, providing cuddles.

— aleanna siacon, Detroit Free Press, "Troy police reveal name of station cat — and it's purrfect," 1 May 2018
In one sense, yes: As in any relationship, repeat cuddle sessions allow participants to learn each other’s rhythms.

— tara bahrampour, Washington Post, "I went to get hugged by a professional cuddler. Here’s how it felt.," 24 Apr. 2018
In honor of National Pet Week, ride-hailing service Uber partnered with The Anti-Cruelty Society, on May 10 in delivering puppies on-demand for instant cuddles.

— audrey gorden, RedEye Chicago, "Meet the puppies up for adoption during Uber's puppy delivery," 11 May 2017
Think Terminator, only with more cuddles and less murder.

— matt simon, WIRED, "The Clever Vine-Like Robot That Grows and Steers With Air," 19 Apr. 2018
Looking for some Valentine's Day cuddles but also like furry animals more than humans?

— lena blietz, star-telegram, "Instead of looking at thorny roses, snuggle two goats this Valentine's Day | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 12 Feb. 2018
Inside Kitten Krazy, the SPCA and Awesome Paws had animals to pet (and cuddle).

— 'sam' boyer/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Animals took center stage at the library: photos," 15 Apr. 2018
Given The Everly’s prime Hollywood location, anticipate long strolls along pedestrian-friendly Hollywood Boulevard with frequent stops for attention and cuddles with pet-loving passersby.

— paul rubio, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the U.S.," 11 Apr. 2018
In soineya stores, or cuddle cafés, clients pay to lie next to a girl.

— The Economist, "Japan’s sex industry is becoming less sexual," 5 Apr. 2018

Origin and Etymology of cuddle

see ¹cuddle

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1825

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

CUDDLE Defined for English Language Learners

cuddle

verb

Definition of cuddle for English Language Learners

: to hold (someone or something) in your arms in order to show affection
: to lie or sit close together

CUDDLE Defined for Kids

cuddle

verb cud·dle \ ˈkə-dᵊl \

Definition of cuddle for Students

cuddled; cuddling

1 : to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection

2 : to lie close : nestle, snuggle

Learn More about cuddle

See words that rhyme with cuddle Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cuddle Spanish Central: Translation of cuddle Nglish: Translation of cuddle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cuddle for Arabic speakers

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cuddle

Definition of cuddle

cuddler

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Recent Examples of cuddle from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cuddle

cuddle Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

cuddle

Definition of cuddle

Recent Examples of cuddle from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cuddle

CUDDLE Defined for English Language Learners

cuddle

Definition of cuddle for English Language Learners

CUDDLE Defined for Kids

cuddle

Definition of cuddle for Students

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