fondles; fondled; fondling
1
: to touch or handle (something) in a gentle way
fondle a coin
She fondled [=caressed] the dog's ear.
2
: to touch (someone) in a sexual way
She claims that her boss tried to fondle her at the office Christmas party.
Cite this Entry
“Fondle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fondle. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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