snuggle

verb

snug·​gle ˈsnə-gəl How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
snuggled; snuggling ˈsnə-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
Synonyms of snugglenext

intransitive verb

: to curl up comfortably or cozily

transitive verb

1
: to draw close especially for comfort or in affection
2
: to make snug
snuggle noun

Examples of snuggle in a Sentence

The puppy snuggled up against the sleeping boy. The boy snuggled close to his mother. The dog snuggled its nose between the pillows. The baby snuggled his head against my chest.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What could be worse than snuggling and sitting on his lap? Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 People should avoid kissing or snuggling with backyard birds, the CDC says. Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 Mountainaire, an eleven-person luxury cabin in Hampshire County along the North River, is the picture of rustic elegance; enjoy lavish meals at the French farm table, light fires in the outdoor fireplace, and snuggle into your vintage four-poster iron bed. Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 This affectionate boy adores people, thrives on human attention and will happily lean in for pets, snuggles or just to be close. Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for snuggle

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of snug entry 1

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of snuggle was in 1687

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snuggle. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

snuggle

verb
snug·​gle ˈsnəg-əl How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
snuggled; snuggling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce snuggle (audio)
1
: to curl up comfortably or cozily : cuddle
2
: to pull in close especially for comfort or in affection : nestle

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