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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

huddled past tense, huddles plural, huddles singular

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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.

Origin: Middle English

cower powwow huddle together

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial