cuddle

Meaning

Noun

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

Verb

1. To embrace affectionately; to lie together snugly.
2. To cradle in one's arms so as to give comfort, warmth.
3. To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle.

Synonyms

embrace

hug

snuggle

caress

nestle

nuzzle

fondle

pet

stroke

enfold

clasp

draw close

cling to

chuck

dandle

grasp

hold

huddle

kiss

😗

nest

press

rock

🪨

smooch

snog

soothe

bear hug

canoodle

squeeze in

huddle closely

bosom

snuggle up

caressing

cherish

close to

cluster

comfort

cower

cringe

crouch

cuddling

embracing

encircle

flick

fondling

grab

neck

nudge

nurse

petting

pregnant

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkʌd.l̩/

Etymology

Cognate with Middle Dutch: kudden

In summary

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 Middle English cuth, couth (“known, familiar”), equivalent to couth + -le. Cognate with Middle Dutch kudden (“to come together, flock together”). More at couth.