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

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

Sharing a snap of their sleeping baby, the couple also included an adorable picture of their newborn daughter cuddling on Viall's chest, as well as a photo of the couple holding their new daughter's hands. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Not only is the act of repeatedly knotting and looping yarn relaxing and rewarding, but the finished project—whether a blanket, sweater, or scarf—is ideal for cuddling up with while watching a favorite comfort show. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2025

Noun

Putting pets first in real life Love for pets doesn't stop at cuddles. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025

From safari adventures to morning cuddles, see all the cutest photos of Brady with his brood as the former quarterback turns 48 on Aug. 3. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025

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