noun
C2
Proficient
huddle
HUH-duhl
Huddle (noun) means a small group of people or things gathered closely together. Example: “The players formed a huddle before the final play.”
noun
1
A small group of people or things gathered closely together.
"The players formed a huddle before the final play."
"A huddle of reporters waited outside the courthouse."
verb
1
To crowd close together, often for warmth, comfort, or shelter.
"They huddled together under one umbrella in the storm."
"The penguins huddled to keep warm in the freezing wind."
2
To meet briefly with others to discuss or plan something.
"The coaches huddled to decide their next move."
How to use huddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo crowd closely together, or a small tight group doing so — from people sheltering from the cold to a sports team planning a play.
Common pairings
huddle together
form a huddle
huddle for warmth
a quick huddle
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like huddle.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- huddles
- Third person singular
- huddles
- Past tense
- huddled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The players formed a _____ before the final play.
Etymology
From Middle English, ultimately related to "hide" — the original sense was closer to crowding together in a hiding place.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for huddle
See all rhymes for huddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “huddle” mean?
The word “huddle” means a small group of people or things gathered closely together. In plain terms, to crowd closely together, or a small tight group doing so — from people sheltering from the cold to a sports team planning a play.
How do you pronounce “huddle”?
“Huddle” is pronounced HUH-duhl (/ˈhʌdəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “huddle” in a sentence?
Here is “huddle” used in a sentence: “The players formed a huddle before the final play.”
What part of speech is “huddle”?
Depending on how it is used, “huddle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “huddle” come from?
The word “huddle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, ultimately related to "hide" — the original sense was closer to crowding together in a hiding place.
How many meanings does “huddle” have?
“Huddle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small group of people or things gathered closely together.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include huddle:
