The verb derives from Middle English noselen (“to bend down”); its further origin is uncertain, but two paths are possible. It may be a back-formation from noseling, noselyng (“on the back, supine; with the face downward, prone”, adverb), from nose (“nose”) — itself from Old English nosu, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *néh₂s (“nose”) — plus -ling, -lyng (a suffix forming adverbs of direction, manner or position). Alternatively it may come from nose plus -el, -elen (a diminutive or frequentative suffix), in which case the English word can be analysed on the surface as nose + -le (frequentative suffix). Verb sense 2.3 (“to settle or lie comfortably and snugly”), under Etymology 1, may have been influenced by nestle or nursle (a frequentative of nurse). The noun comes from the verb. Compare nozzle.

Synonyms

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snuggle cuddle nest nestle nose

Related words

wind nose embrace hug nest scent flock poke

Rhymes for nuzzle

muzzle puzzle guzzle

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of nuzzle?

"nuzzle" (verb) means to press your nose, face or head firmly against something.

What is another word for nuzzle?

Other words for "nuzzle" include snuggle, cuddle, nest, nestle, nose.

What are the different meanings of nuzzle?

"nuzzle" has 3 main meanings: 1. To press your nose, face or head firmly against something; 2. To touch or rub (someone or something) using the nose, face, or similar, or with an object; 3. Of an animal: to use its nose to dig something, usually food, out of the ground.

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wind nose embrace hug nest scent flock poke