swaddle

verb

swad·​dle ˈswä-dᵊl How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
swaddled; swaddling
ˈswäd-liŋ
ˈswä-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
Synonyms of swaddlenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to wrap (an infant) with swaddling clothes
b
: envelop, swathe
legs swaddled in bandages
2
: restrain, restrict
… marriage … swaddled him in a domesticity he came to loathe …Nina Auerbach

Examples of swaddle in a Sentence

He swaddled the baby in a blanket.
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.
The soft leather straps add an extra layer of cushion that’ll keep feet swaddled in comfort and add an elegant touch. Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 Sloth jaws and sabertooth fangs and a truly astonishing amount of ancient vertebrae — all of it will be swaddled, catalogued and crated for the next two years. Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026 The sweetness of the Deborah-Ava relationship eventually became a nice blanket in which Hacks swaddled its viewers, its cozy intent pervading not just the narrative but just about every other aspect of the show. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 May 2026 The narrowness of the land means that the resort is swaddled between two beaches—Playa Blanca and Playa Virador—setting it apart from other nearby hotels. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for swaddle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English swadelen, swathelen, probably alteration of swedelen, swethelen, from swethel swaddling band, from Old English; akin to Old English swathian to swathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of swaddle was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swaddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swaddle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

swaddle

verb
swad·​dle ˈswäd-ᵊl How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
swaddled; swaddling ˈswäd-liŋ How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: to wrap an infant with swaddling clothes

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