cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
cuddled; cuddling ˈkəd-liŋ How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
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 How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
ˈkə-dᵊl-ər
noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb Let's cuddle by the fire. kittens cuddling in a basket
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
In the photo set, Grace cuddled the animal bundled up in a blanket on her lap. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024 However, otters are known to cuddle while sleeping, or at least to sleep close to each other, to prevent themselves from drifting apart in the open ocean. Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024 For more than three hours Sunday, a big ol’, droopy-eared Chester White pig from Kansas with the longest of eyelashes and the pinkest of snouts cuddled with Isabelle Sears. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2024 On Wednesday, Kim Kardashian, 43, shared an adorable picture on Instagram of her mom cuddling with her 8-year-old son, Saint West, and her nephew, Tatum Thompson, 1 ½ years old, and the daughter of her sister Khloé Kardashian. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024 Imagine getting paid $10,000 to cuddle kittens for 4 hours. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2024 In addition, 75% of dog owners are more likely to cuddle with their dog after using a deodorizing shampoo. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 The half-zip pullover of this set is great for keeping warm at night or layering for morning hikes during the day (or okay, just cuddling up to watch some Netflix). Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 In the image, the couple can be seen cuddled up together wearing beanies and smiling. Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024
Noun
His favorite things to do are play with toys and cuddles. The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024 Their pairing isn’t all about cuddles and relaxation. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024 My husband too has traveled in those intervening years, but there was always a kid, or two, or three rattling around the house in his absence, needing food and cuddles and to be driven to some birthday party, youth sporting event or other. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 This plush fleece throw blanket is the perfect cuddle companion that also looks chic on the couch when not in use. Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 Ben, the golden retriever, was spotted receiving cuddles from Aaron Rodgers and even participating in sideline drills to warm up for the Brown-Jets Week 17 game. USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2024 So, parents of little kids, indulge yourself in the cuddles. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Feb. 2024 The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur. Seth Carnell, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 His cuddles are guaranteed to brighten even the gloomiest of days. Stephanie Baillargeon-McCurry and, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuddle was in 1520

Dictionary Entries Near cuddle

Cite this Entry

“Cuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuddle. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cuddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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