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.
Loved by Oprah, the AirEssentials collection is made of lightweight, soft, and breathable fabric that is perfect for flights, layering for sightseeing tours, or snuggling up at home. Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026 Grab a drink and then head into the cat lounge where you’ll be greeted by dozens of adoptable cats waiting to be snuggled and played with. Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026 My son loves the fun parts of puppy parenting like snuggling, petting, playing, and running together. Angela Hatem, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026 While snuggling with your cat might be the ideal way to keep both of you warm in winter, there are other ways to help when your lap isn’t available for naps. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 6 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on snuggle

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