cuddle

1 of 2

verb

cud·​dle ˈkə-dᵊl How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
cuddled; cuddling ˈkəd-liŋ How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
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 How to pronounce cuddle (audio)
ˈkə-dᵊl-ər
noun

cuddle

2 of 2

noun

: a close embrace

Examples of cuddle in a Sentence

Verb Let's cuddle by the fire. kittens cuddling in a basket
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
That pressure may even lead the body to secrete a little extra oxytocin, the love hormone humans produce when cuddling. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025 The proud mom of two posted a few photos of her newborn daughter, Elvis, cuddling with her baby girl Malibu, who wore a pink and white polka dot blanket that matched her own robe. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
Instead, Hiles got a popsicle for her son (who was teething), watched cartoons together and had cuddles. William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 The game also features a compelling menagerie of humorous side characters to meet on the journey, like a royal monkey who breaks it down on the dance floor, and an adorable talking cat who demands cuddles – or else. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cuddle

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuddle was in 1520

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuddle. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cuddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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