hugged; hugging; hugs
1
a
transitive + intransitive
: to press (someone) tightly in one's arms especially as a sign of affection
They hugged each other before saying goodbye.
We hugged briefly.
b
transitive
: to hold (something) tightly with the arms
She hugged her knees to her chest.
c
transitive
: to wrap one's arms around (oneself)
She was wearing only a wraparound denim skirt over her black bathing suit, and in the chill of approaching evening was hugging herself.—John Updike
(figurative) Jerome looked puzzled, or pretended to. In reality he was hugging himself with delight.—Lucy Maud Montgomery
2
transitive
: to stay close to (something)
a road that hugs the river
a boat hugging the shore
clothes that hug your body's curves [=tight-fitting clothes]
3
transitive
: to hold (something) fast : cherish
… hugged his miseries like a sulky child …—John Buchan
huggable
adjective
… whenever you get a chance at a reunion to hug someone who looks huggable, do it.
—Mike Deupree
hugger
noun
plural huggers
Senior is restrained, the sort of man you lean close to, to hear. Junior is a hugger and kisser, buoyant, vibrant, colorful.
—Rick Reilly
plural hugs
: a close embrace with the arms especially as a sign of affection
She gave me a hug.
hugs and kisses
"He was very, very compassionate. Very loving. He always gave you a hug hello and a hug goodbye."—The Salt Lake Tribune
Peggotty was not slow to respond, and ratify the treaty of friendship by giving me one of her best hugs.—Charles Dickens
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hug. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
