cuddle
nounverbattested in dialogue
- //ˈkʌd.l̩//
An intimate physical embrace, typically while lying (or sitting): a snuggle, an instance of lying together snugly, as one might with a partner (more intimate than a hug, and typically of longer duration).
noun
- 1
An intimate physical embrace, typically while lying (or sitting): a snuggle, an instance of lying together snugly, as one might with a partner (more intimate than a hug, and typically of longer duration).
I'm so impatient / I can't stand the wait / When will I get my cuddle?
- 2
An affectionate embrace, a hug, such as is given to family members and close friends (less intimate than a snuggle, and typically of shorter duration).
Give me a cuddle, Paul; it'll cheer you up.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, but probably from a frequentative form of Middle English *cudden, cuththen, keththen (“to embrace”), a variant of cuthen, kuthen, kithen (“to be familiar with, make known”), from Middle English cuth, couth (“known, familiar”), equivalent to couth + -le. Cognate with Middle Dutch kudden (“to come together, flock together”). More at couth.
verb
- 1
To lie together snugly (with someone), in an intimate physical embrace; to snuggle.
The young lovers cuddled on the couch.
- 2
To embrace (someone) affectionately; to hug (someone) closely.
- 3
To cradle (e.g. a baby) in one's arms so as to give comfort, warmth.
She cuddled the infant before bedtime.
I'm cold; can you roll over here and cuddle me, honey?
- 4
To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle.
She cuddles low behind the brake; / Nor would she stay, nor dares she fly.
Forms
- plural
- cuddles
- past tense
- cuddled
- past participle
- cuddled
- present participle
- cuddling
- third person singular
- cuddles
cuddle · An intimate physical embrace, typically while lying (or sitting): a snuggle, an instance of lying together snugly, as one might with a partner (more…
cuddly · Suitable for cuddling; designed to be cuddled.cue · The name of the Latin script letter Q/q.Cue · A surname.