verb
Uncommon
cuddle
KUHD-l
Cuddle (verb) means to hold someone close in an affectionate, gentle embrace. Example: “They cuddled on the couch while watching a movie.”
verb
1
To hold someone close in an affectionate, gentle embrace.
"They cuddled on the couch while watching a movie."
"She cuddled the baby to calm him down."
noun
1
An affectionate embrace, typically warmer and closer than a simple hug.
"He gave his daughter a cuddle before bed."
How to use cuddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo snuggle up close with someone in a warm, affectionate way.
Common pairings
cuddle up
have a cuddle
cuddle on the sofa
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Word forms
- Plural
- cuddles
- Third person singular
- cuddles
- Past tense
- cuddled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They _____ on the couch while watching a movie.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, likely linked to Middle English words meaning "to be familiar with" or "to make known."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for cuddle
See all rhymes for cuddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “cuddle” mean?
The word “cuddle” means to hold someone close in an affectionate, gentle embrace. In plain terms, to snuggle up close with someone in a warm, affectionate way.
How do you pronounce “cuddle”?
“Cuddle” is pronounced KUHD-l (/ˈkʌd.l̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “cuddle” in a sentence?
Here is “cuddle” used in a sentence: “They cuddled on the couch while watching a movie.”
What part of speech is “cuddle”?
Depending on how it is used, “cuddle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “cuddle” come from?
The word “cuddle” comes from Middle English. Origin uncertain, likely linked to Middle English words meaning "to be familiar with" or "to make known.".
Is “cuddle” a common word?
“Cuddle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cuddle” have?
“Cuddle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold someone close in an affectionate, gentle embrace.
