Cuddle

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈkÊŒ.dl/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒdÉ™l

Origin

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 cuth, couth ("known, familiar"), equivalent to couth + -le. Cognate with Old Dutch kudden ("to come together, flock together"). More at couth.

Full definition of cuddle

Noun

1. A snuggle; an affectionate embrace, often given to family members and close friends.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To embrace affectionately, lie together snugly.The young lovers cuddled on the couch.
2. (transitive) To cradle 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?
3. To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle.
• PriorShe cuddles low beneath the brake;
  Nor would she stay, nor dares she fly.

Derived terms

• cuddlable
• cuddler
• cuddlesome
• cuddle up
• cuddly