Cuddle Definition & Meaning

American

British

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms cuddle American [kuhd-l] / ˈkʌd l /

verb (used with object)

cuddled, cuddling

1. to hold close in an affectionate manner; hug tenderly; fondle.

verb (used without object)

cuddled, cuddling

1. to lie close and snug; nestle.

2. to curl up in going to sleep.

noun

1. act of cuddling; hug; embrace.

cuddle British / ˈkʌdəl /

verb

1. to hold (another person or thing) close or (of two people, etc) to hold each other close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth; embrace; hug

2. to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

1. a close embrace, esp when prolonged

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

• cuddlesome adjective
• cuddly adjective

Etymology

Origin of cuddle

1510–20; perhaps back formation from Middle English cudliche intimate, affectionate, Old English cūthlīc, or from Middle English cuthlechen, Old English cūthlǣcan to make friends with; couth 2, -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There were fourteen eggs cuddled in the soft grass and leaves.

From Literature

Bo leaned in for one last cuddle, and I wrapped my arms round him and gave him a kiss on his head.

From Literature

They yawned and cuddled against each other or wrapped themselves in leaves, feathers, and bits of wool.

From Literature

The part of me that knew how good it would feel to be held and cuddled was yearning.

From Literature

“He would sleep in a pile with all his brothers and sisters, all cuddled up.”

From Literature

Related Words

• caress
• clasp
• curl up
• snuggle

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.