cuddle
Americanverb (used with object)
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to hold close in an affectionate manner; hug tenderly; fondle.
verb (used without object)
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to lie close and snug; nestle.
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to curl up in going to sleep.
noun
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act of cuddling; hug; embrace.
verb
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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
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to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position
noun
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a close embrace, esp when prolonged
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.
He is always happy to see me, and he always wants a scratch or a cuddle.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025
There’s a scene in which he comes home in obvious need of a cuddle, only to push his dog away.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025
"It's fine to feed your baby whenever they are hungry, when your breasts feel full or if you just want to have a cuddle."
From BBC • Aug. 8, 2025
When Zero wants to cuddle, she added, nothing gets in his way.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025
You go to live in a big city and have your English there to cuddle you.
From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway
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.