Nuzzle

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ÊŒzÉ™l

Origin

Early 15th century Middle English noselyng, as nose + -lyng ("(frequentive)") (modern English nose + -le("(frequentive)")). Modern affectionate, intimate sense 1590s, possibly influenced by nestle or nursle (frequentive of nurse).

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of nuzzle

Verb

1. of animals, lovers, etc To touch someone or something with the nose.The horse nuzzled its foal's head gently to wake him up.The bird nuzzled up to the wires of the cage.She nuzzled her boyfriend in the cinema.
2. (obsolete) To nurse; to foster; to bring up.
• MiltonThe people had been nuzzled in idolatry.
3. (obsolete) To nestle; to house, as in a nest.

Related terms

• nursle