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.
When you’re done, ski right to the nearby W Verbier to snuggle up in a room with your very own fireplace. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026 The post included photos of the family with their dogs, Katie lying in blankets as both Ellie and Emma snuggle her, and the couple holding a sonogram photo. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026 The post included a family photo with the dogs, a shot of Katie lying in blankets as both Ellie and Emma snuggle up close to her, and a picture of the couple holding a sonogram photo. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026 Records of this meeting clearly indicate that each of these was in dire need of snuggling, as well as Cabinet-level scratches underneath its ears. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 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 27 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

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