cuddle
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]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.
Pronunciation
[edit]- IPA(key): /ˈkʌd.l̩/
Audio (Southern England): (file) - Rhymes: -ʌdəl
Noun
[edit]cuddle (plural cuddles)
- (US) An intimate physical embrace, typically while lying (or sitting): a snuggle, an instance of lying together snugly, as one might with a partner (more intimate than a hug, and typically of longer duration).
- 1995, “I Miss You”, in Post, performed by Björk:
- I'm so impatient / I can't stand the wait / When will I get my cuddle?
- (UK) An affectionate embrace, a hug, such as is given to family members and close friends (less intimate than a snuggle, and typically of shorter duration).
- Give me a cuddle, Paul; it'll cheer you up.
Derived terms
[edit]Translations
[edit]affectionate embrace
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Verb
[edit]cuddle (third-person singular simple present cuddles, present participle cuddling, simple past and past participle cuddled)
- (US, intransitive, transitive) To lie together snugly (with someone), in an intimate physical embrace; to snuggle.
- The young lovers cuddled on the couch.
- (UK, intransitive, transitive) To embrace (someone) affectionately; to hug (someone) closely.
- (transitive) To cradle (e.g. a baby) 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?
- To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle.
- 1717, Matthew Prior, The Dove:
- She cuddles low behind the brake; / Nor would she stay, nor dares she fly.
Derived terms
[edit]Translations
[edit]embrace, lie together snugly — see also snuggle
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cradle in one's arms — see also caress
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Translations to be checked
Anagrams
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