cuddle

verb

cud·dle | \ ˈkə-dᵊl

cuddled; cuddling\ ˈkəd-liŋ

, ˈkə-dᵊl-iŋ \

Definition of cuddle

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

cuddle

noun

Definition of cuddle (Entry 2 of 2)

: a close embrace

Other Words from cuddle Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cuddle

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Synonyms for cuddle

Synonyms: Verb

nestle, nuzzle, snoozle [chiefly dialect], 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

The adorable picture of Peter and Lara Jean cuddling that appeared in the movie was actually a behind-the-scenes picture of Centineo and Condor napping between takes, it was revealed. — Constance Grady, Vox, "Noah Centineo and the rise of the wholesome internet boyfriend, explained," 28 Sep. 2018 On Saturday, September 15, the pop star posted a couple of clips of herself laying down with the pig cuddled up on her neck. — Isabella Gomez, Teen Vogue, "Fans Think Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson Adopted a Baby Pig," 16 Sep. 2018 Robert Herjavec & Kym Johnson The Shark Tank star and dancing pro were quick to couple up in season 20 in 2015, seen cuddling during the season premiere. — Julia Marzovilla, Billboard, "10 Real-Life Couples From 'Dancing With the Stars'," 27 Mar. 2018 No announcement was made, but cuddling up together at typical date-night spots was enough to convince the world the duo’s relationship was the real deal. — Marilyn La Jeunesse, Teen Vogue, "Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra's Best Moments of 2018," 27 Dec. 2018 Summer is cool & all but imagine wearin an old hoodie & sweats, cuddled up on the couch, smellin’ ur pumpkin spice candle, drinkin ur pumpkin spice latte, eatin ur pumpkin spice muffin & watchin football. — Janine Puhak, Fox News, "Pumpkin Spice Lattes reportedly returning to Starbucks on August 28," 9 Aug. 2018 Bella and The Weeknd spend a few days cuddled up inside his mansion. — Alison Caporimo, Seventeen, "11 Major Signs Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Are Getting Back Together," 27 July 2018 He's also posted photos of himself holding a tiny Wren, cuddling with a lamb, and playing with a chicken. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Kate Middleton's Younger Brother James Just Made His Instagram Public," 11 Jan. 2019 In the short video clip, she is seen cuddling with the dog alongside Justin in bed, the pup eagerly playing with his tattooed hands. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Hailey and Justin Bieber Have a New Addition to Their Family—an Adorable Dog," 23 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

When the weather drops below 60 degrees, there are a few ~fall~ rights of passage every self-identifying basic must take part in: Taking an Instagram picture surrounded by autumn leaves. Tweeting about cuddle and/or sweater weather. — Lillian Chen, Seventeen, "8 Super Cute Fall Hair Color Trends That Will Make You Crave a PSL," 23 July 2018 Both Luna and Lulu make up to 50 different sounds when kids pet, cuddle, and tickle them. — Michelle Manetti, Good Housekeeping, "Why Pomsies Luna and Pomsies Lulu Are the Most Exciting Pom Pom Toys Yet," 14 Nov. 2018 Not only will Indy be providing students with plenty of cuddles and slobbery kisses, but the pup could be an imperative part of keeping students happy and healthy this year. — Mckenzie Schwark, Teen Vogue, "Therapy Animals Are on Some College Campuses for Back-to-School Season," 29 Aug. 2018 According to the rules established by cuddle parties and cuddling websites, nothing happens that both people don’t verbally agree to in advance. — Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, "I went to get hugged by a professional cuddler. Here’s how it felt.," 24 Apr. 2018 Adult male gorillas consistently groom and even cuddle with little ones. — Alison Gopnik, WSJ, "For Gorillas, Being a Good Dad Is Sexy," 30 Nov. 2018 There’s the unconditional love, the furry cuddles, the companionship. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "How to make your dog Instagram-famous, according to an agent for “pet influencers”," 6 Nov. 2018 In a video clip of the gorgeous moment, the young royal fan cuddles Prince Harry, before stepping back to admire the Duke's beard. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kids Can't Get Enough of Prince Harry's Beard on the Royal Tour in Australia," 17 Oct. 2018 Take it up with the designers at Aseptic Studio, who created a headless torso pillow to be your favorite cuddle buddy. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Headless ergonomic body pillows: comforting or totally creepy?," 11 Oct. 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.