cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl 

cuddled; cuddling ˈkəd-liŋ 

ˈkə-dᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

: to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection

He cuddled the puppy.

intransitive verb

: to lie close or snug : nestle, snuggle

… dewy glens where couples cuddle on blankets …

—Bob Sipchen

cuddler

ˈkəd-lər 

ˈkə-dᵊl-ər

noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Synonyms

Verb

• nestle
• nuzzle
• snoozle [chiefly dialect]
• snuggle

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb

Let's cuddle by the fire.

kittens cuddling in a basket

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

On Wednesday, Kim Kardashian, 43, shared an adorable picture on Instagram of her mom cuddling with her 8-year-old son, Saint West, and her nephew, Tatum Thompson, 1 ½ years old, and the daughter of her sister Khloé Kardashian. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

Imagine getting paid $10,000 to cuddle kittens for 4 hours. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2024

In addition, 75% of dog owners are more likely to cuddle with their dog after using a deodorizing shampoo. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

The half-zip pullover of this set is great for keeping warm at night or layering for morning hikes during the day (or okay, just cuddling up to watch some Netflix). —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024

In the image, the couple can be seen cuddled up together wearing beanies and smiling. —Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024

Fun side quests like cat collecting (finding stray cats and cuddling them) and searching for shrines to earn upgrade points are bright spots in this otherwise underwhelming attempt. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024

The slumber party vibes were undeniable on the March 7 episode, with Brown and Barrymore cuddled up on a couch in matching purple sweats. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024

Sharing a sweet black and white photo on her Instagram Story, Bhabie (born Danielle Marie Bregoli) cuddled up with the newborn, whose face was covered with a hat and a blanket. —Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024

Noun

My husband too has traveled in those intervening years, but there was always a kid, or two, or three rattling around the house in his absence, needing food and cuddles and to be driven to some birthday party, youth sporting event or other. —Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024

This plush fleece throw blanket is the perfect cuddle companion that also looks chic on the couch when not in use. —Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024

Ben, the golden retriever, was spotted receiving cuddles from Aaron Rodgers and even participating in sideline drills to warm up for the Brown-Jets Week 17 game. —USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2024

So, parents of little kids, indulge yourself in the cuddles. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Feb. 2024

The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur. —Seth Carnell, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024

His cuddles are guaranteed to brighten even the gloomiest of days. —Stephanie Baillargeon-McCurry and, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024

This can manifest as a longing for tactile sensations, including hugs, cuddles, hand-holding or other forms of physical intimacy. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024

The kids love their time with the polar cub, and, in a show of Christmas generosity, Bob lets Mr. Fischoeder and the other millionaires get in a cuddle as well. —EW.com, 27 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1520, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cuddle

verb

cud·​dle

ˈkəd-ᵊl

cuddled; cuddling

ˈkəd-liŋ,

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

: to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection

2

: to lie close : nestle, snuggle

cuddle noun

cuddly

ˈkəd-lē

-ᵊl-ē

adjective