as in wrapping
to wrap (someone, especially a baby) tightly with a blanket, pieces of cloth, etc.
He swaddled the baby in a blanket.
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Recent Examples of swaddling
Then came the rise of luxury polar-class vessels like the Viking's Polaris and Octantis expedition ships, which can simultaneously navigate thick ice sheets while swaddling its passengers with the comforts and amenities of a five-star resort.
—
Jillian Dara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
The veteran sideline reporter and member of FOX Sports’ A-Team braved the freezing temperature in Philly by swaddling herself in a capacious coat, which drew comparisons to a diverse array of notorious icons of warmth including Cruella De Ville, Jon Snow, emus, mob wives, pimps, and Ric Flair.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2026
The twinkling of elaborate Christmas lights swaddling a nearby Louis Vuitton store underscored the point.
—Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Police said that minutes later, Karschnick is seen swaddling the baby and taking her out of the crib, but the infant continues crying and screaming, and her arm looks limp, per the complaint cited by WBAY.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Jillian Dara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
The veteran sideline reporter and member of FOX Sports’ A-Team braved the freezing temperature in Philly by swaddling herself in a capacious coat, which drew comparisons to a diverse array of notorious icons of warmth including Cruella De Ville, Jon Snow, emus, mob wives, pimps, and Ric Flair.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2026
The twinkling of elaborate Christmas lights swaddling a nearby Louis Vuitton store underscored the point.
—Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Police said that minutes later, Karschnick is seen swaddling the baby and taking her out of the crib, but the infant continues crying and screaming, and her arm looks limp, per the complaint cited by WBAY.
—Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swaddling
Verb
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Dearfoams Moritz Booties Okay, imagine wrapping your feet in a blanket—that’s exactly what these Dearfoams booties feel like.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
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On the day Ujlaky vanished, prosecutors alleged Dickey choked her by wrapping a ligature around her neck before raping her and slashing her throat, according to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ariana Grande stunned in a dramatic black Vivienne Westwood Couture ball gown that featured draping velvet straps tied in bows at the shoulders.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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The actress, 35, who's up for Best Supporting Actress for her work in One Battle After Another, wore a custom Schiaparelli floor-length gown complete with cutouts in the bodice and draping fabric for sartorial drama from all angles.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swaddling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swaddling. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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