1 cuddle | Definition of cuddle

cuddle

verb
cud·​dle | \ ˈkə-dᔊl How to pronounce cuddle (audio) \
cuddled; cuddling\ ˈkəd-​liƋ How to pronounce cuddling (audio) , ˈkə-​dᔊl-​iƋ \

Definition of cuddle

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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

cuddle

noun

Definition of cuddle (Entry 2 of 2)

: a close embrace

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Other Words from cuddle

Verb

cuddler \ ˈkəd-​lər How to pronounce cuddler (audio) , ˈkə-​dᔊl-​ər \ noun

Synonyms for cuddle

Synonyms: Verb

nestle, nuzzle, snoozle [chiefly dialect], snuggle

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Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb

Let's cuddle by the fire. kittens cuddling in a basket

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

According to photos obtained by TMZ, the pair was seen cuddling and engaging in PDA while watching The Black Eyed Peas and Robbie Williams perform at the festival. De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Tom Holland Is Reportedly Dating Olivia Bolton," 20 July 2019 Another way the robots exploit our penchant for affection is by encouraging us to play with or cuddle them. Kate Baggaley, NBC News, "New companion robots can't do much but make us love them," 23 June 2019 Males were the most likely to cuddle each other, usually in the form of head rubbing. Emily Toomey, Smithsonian, "Ten Things We’ve Learned About Lions Since Disney’s Original ‘The Lion King’," 19 July 2019 Who among us would not want to cuddle a baby tiger, memorialized by a shareable photo? Susan Goldberg, National Geographic, "Why we’re shining a light on wildlife tourism," 22 June 2019 After all, who doesn't want to cuddle up on a couch with several inviting, cozy pillows on it? Isabelle Kagan, USA TODAY, "Anthropologie is having an amazing sale on all things home—for a short time," 13 June 2019 Chopra Jonas, who wore a pink high-waisted bikini, was seen riding a jet ski, relaxing on a large inflatable rainbow float and cuddling up with Jonas, 26, on a yacht. Helen Murphy, PEOPLE.com, "Priyanka Chopra Jonas Celebrates Her Birthday on a Jet Ski and a Yacht with Husband Nick Jonas," 21 July 2019 There's never a bad time to cuddle with a dog, so don't stop now. Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "7 Ways to Keep Your Dogs Safe and Calm During the Fireworks This Fourth of July," 2 July 2019 Solved The first of two new episodes of this lighthearted documentary series explains why a tiger shark cuddled up with a diver and why pigs are swimming in the Caribbean. Ed Stockly, latimes.com, "What’s on TV Friday: ‘100%: Julian Edelman’ on Showtime," 27 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

According to the rules established by cuddle parties and cuddling websites, nothing happens that both people don't verbally agree to in advance. Tara Bahrampour, chicagotribune.com, "I went to get hugged by a professional cuddler. Here's how it felt.," 5 May 2018 Huggzilla Sunrise Coffee: Have a hot cup of coffee while enjoying a teddy bear cuddle puddle. Lisa Herendeen, The Mercury News, "10 awesome Burning Man things to do on Day 1, Aug. 25," 5 Aug. 2019 In an inverted way, ASMR videos are like private, virtual cuddle parties — surrogates for connection. Annie Vainshtein, SFChronicle.com, "Everything you ever wanted to know about ASMR," 27 June 2019 Consider turning the first two days into official cuddle time. Beth Shapouri, Glamour, "10 Things You Should Never Do After a Bikini Wax," 18 Apr. 2019 There’s the unconditional love, the furry cuddles, the companionship. Chavie Lieber, Vox, "How to make your dog Instagram-famous, according to an agent for “pet influencers”," 6 Nov. 2018 Throughout the video, the rumored couple continues to kiss, cuddle, and laugh a ton before the video ends. Nerisha Penrose, Billboard, "Chris Brown and Agnez Mo Share Cryptic, PDA-Filled Instagram Video: Watch," 20 June 2018 According the the police department's official Twitter announcement about the winner, the pawfficer's official duties will include: community policing, supervising the K9 unit, and of course, providing cuddles. Aleanna Siacon, Detroit Free Press, "Troy police reveal name of station cat — and it's purrfect," 1 May 2018 In one sense, yes: As in any relationship, repeat cuddle sessions allow participants to learn each other’s rhythms. Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, "I went to get hugged by a professional cuddler. Here’s how it felt.," 24 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cuddle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cuddle

Verb

1520, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cuddle

Verb and Noun

origin unknown

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More Definitions for cuddle

cuddle

verb

English Language Learners Definition of cuddle

: to hold (someone or something) in your arms in order to show affection
: to lie or sit close together

cuddle

verb
cud·​dle | \ ˈkə-dᔊl How to pronounce cuddle (audio) \
cuddled; cuddling

Kids Definition of cuddle

1 : to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection
2 : to lie close : nestle, snuggle

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More from Merriam-Webster on cuddle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cuddle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cuddle

Spanish Central: Translation of cuddle

Nglish: Translation of cuddle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cuddle for Arabic Speakers