cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl 

cuddled; cuddling

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

ˈkəd-lər, 

ˈkə-dᵊl-ər 

noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Synonyms of cuddle

Verb

• snuggle

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb

Let's cuddle by the fire.

kittens cuddling in a basket

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

After an hour or so, Sarah’s girls bounce into the frame with giggles and cuddles and climb up on her. —Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026

In the Heated Rivalry season finale, this seclusion shapes many defining (and tension-heavy) moments between the pro-hockey-playing protagonists, from free-flowing conversations in the living room to cuddles around the firepit and deep, reflective pauses by the water. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026

Noun

Honey is ready to bring love, purrs and playful cuddles to her forever home. —Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026

Those morning cuddles were sacred. —Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1520, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cuddle

• huddle
• muddle
• puddle

Kids Definition

cuddle

verb

cud·​dle

ˈkəd-ᵊl

cuddled; cuddling

ˈkəd-liŋ, 

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

: to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection

2

: to lie close : nestle, snuggle

cuddle noun

cuddly

ˈkəd-lē, 

-ᵊl-ē

adjective