cuddle

/ˈkʌdl/

/ˈkʌdəl/

Other forms: cuddled; cuddles

To cuddle is to embrace in a loving, affectionate way. If you're having a terrible day, you probably wish you could just go home, get in bed, and cuddle with your cat.

Cuddle might come from the Middle English couth, "known" — after all, you only cuddle with those you know. Or, cuddle may have started as baby talk that caught on. When you cuddle, you give a snuggly hug to make yourself or another person feel loved or comforted. As a noun, cuddle describes the time of the embrace, like having one last cuddle before leaving for a long trip.

Definitions of cuddle

1. verb

   hold (a person or thing) close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth
   “I cuddled the baby”

   type of:

   bosom, embrace, hug, squeeze

   squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
2. verb

   move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
   “We cuddled against each other to keep warm”

   synonyms: draw close, nest, nestle, nuzzle, snuggle

   nestle, snuggle

   position comfortably

   draw close

   pull towards oneself

   type of:

   cling to, clutch, hold close, hold tight

   hold firmly, usually with one's hands
3. noun

   a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
   synonyms: nestle, snuggle

   type of:

   embrace, embracement, embracing

   the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)