snuggle

verb

snug·​gle ˈsnə-gəl How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
snuggled; snuggling ˈsnə-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
Synonyms of snugglenext

intransitive verb

: to curl up comfortably or cozily

transitive verb

1
: to draw close especially for comfort or in affection
2
: to make snug
snuggle noun

Examples of snuggle in a Sentence

The puppy snuggled up against the sleeping boy. The boy snuggled close to his mother. The dog snuggled its nose between the pillows. The baby snuggled his head against my chest.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For instance, Michigan's Upper Peninsula has several parks known for stargazing, including Copper Harbor's Keweenaw Dark Sky Park where couples might snuggle up to keep warm this winter. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026 Better to dress in layers or snuggle under an extra blanket than become a casualty. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026 Both elements are crucial for an expert couch-napper like me, who appreciates being snuggled without the risk of overheating. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 The evening darkness becomes an excuse to eat dinner by candlelight and snuggle up with a book. Kari Leibowitz, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for snuggle

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of snug entry 1

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of snuggle was in 1687

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snuggle. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

snuggle

verb
snug·​gle ˈsnəg-əl How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
snuggled; snuggling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
1
: to curl up comfortably or cozily : cuddle
2
: to pull in close especially for comfort or in affection : nestle

More from Merriam-Webster on snuggle

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