snug

1 of 3

verb

ˈsnəg 

snugged; snugging

intransitive verb

: snuggle, nestle

snug down for bed

transitive verb

1

: to cause to fit closely

2

: to make snug

3

: hide sense 1

4

: to secure by fastening or lashing down

snug

2 of 3

adjective

snugger; snuggest

1

a

of a ship : manifesting seaworthiness : taut

b

: trim, neat

c

: fitting closely and comfortably

a snug coat

2

a

: enjoying or affording warm secure shelter or cover and opportunity for ease and contentment

a snug cottage

a snug haven

b

: marked by cordiality and secure privacy

3

: affording a degree of comfort and ease

a snug income

4

: offering safe concealment

a snug hideout

snug adverb

snugly adverb

snugness noun

snug

3 of 3

noun

British

: a small private room or compartment in a pub

Synonyms of snug

Verb

• snuggle
• nestle

Adjective

• tidy
• trim
• neat
• tidied

Choose the Right Synonym for snug

comfortable, cozy, snug, easy, restful mean enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security.

comfortable applies to anything that encourages serenity, well-being, or complacency as well as physical ease.

started feeling comfortable in our new surroundings

cozy suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness.

a cozy neighborhood coffee shop

snug suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more.

a snug little cottage

easy implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint.

living in easy circumstances

restful applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation.

a quiet restful vacation

Examples of snug in a Sentence

Verb

the farmhand snugged down in the hay and proceeded to go to sleep

Adjective

The shoes were too snug.

These jeans are snug around the hips.

We were snug in the cabin.

She felt snug under the warm blanket.

The children were snug in their beds.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This cocoon is super-protective, and the fleas stay safe and snug inside for up to four months, says Benson. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Cara found us in a big armchair at the edge of the party — José and I snug together while 30-some people mingled, drinks in hand. —Gali Kronenberg, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The living room is adjacent and looks quite snug, but has space for a sofa, a mini-split air-conditioning unit, and a little extra storage. —Adam Williams march 01, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2026

Suites are the best bet for families, as classic rooms are pretty snug. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026

Noun

Shapermint’s full-coverage bralette fits up to a DD/E cup and 46 band, with a snug, slightly compressive fit that helps keep big boobs in place. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026

The Go pillow features a memory foam core with a Velcro closure to ensure a snug fit, no matter the shape or size of your neck. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish snygg tidy

Noun

short for snuggery

First Known Use

Verb

1583, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Adjective

circa 1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for snug

• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug
• lug
• mug
• plug
• pug
• rug
• rugg

Kids Definition

snug

1 of 2 verb

ˈsnəg 

snugged; snugging

1

: to settle or lie down : snuggle

2

: to make snug

snug

2 of 2 adjective

snugger; snuggest

1

a

: seaworthy

b

: trim entry 2, neat

c

: fitting closely and comfortably

a snug coat

2

: enjoying or providing warm secure shelter and comfort : cozy

a snug cottage

3

: fairly large

a snug fortune

4

: offering safe concealment

a snug harbor

snug adverb

snugly adverb

snugness noun