snuggle

verb

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

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

Synonyms of snuggle

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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.
By roasting the brussels sprouts snuggled into a blanket of grated Parmesan cheese, the cheese melts into a crispy, frico-like sheet that clings onto the sprouts, surrounding them in a lace-like halo. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026 On Friday, September 11, the 16-time Grammy winner—whose real name is Stefani Germanotta—was photographed with her fiancé, Michael Polansky, and their child, who was snuggled against Gaga’s chest in a baby carrier. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Sep. 2026 The new parents were photographed last week on a walk with the infant in a front carrier, snuggled close to the superstar. — Martha Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 But these kittens can't stop snuggling after being separated. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 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

Rhymes for snuggle

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Browse Nearby Words

snuggish
snuggle
snuggly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snuggle. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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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