cuddle

== English == === Etymology === 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 === IPA(key): /ˈkʌd.l̩/ Rhymes: -ʌdəl === Noun === 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). (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). ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === 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. (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. To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Anagrams === dulced