Meaning & use
nestles
Last updated
“nestles” is a form of “nestle”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
Sits or lies comfortably close to someone or something, pressing gently against it.
Grammar: No object; it is usually followed by a preposition such as 'against', 'into', or 'in'.
Patterns
- nestle against someone
- nestle into something
- nestle in something
The kitten nestles against its mother and falls asleep.
She nestles into the soft armchair with a book.
He nestles in the warm blankets on cold nights.
verbintransitive
Is partly hidden and surrounded by something, so that it looks sheltered or protected.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'among', 'between', or 'in'.
Patterns
- nestle among something
- nestle between something
- nestle in something
The little village nestles among green hills.
A small café nestles between two tall buildings.
Their house nestles in a quiet valley.
verbtransitive
Places something gently and closely inside or against something else.
Grammar: Takes an object: nestle the cup in the box.
Patterns
- nestle something in something
- nestle something into something
- nestle something against something
She nestles the eggs in a bed of straw.
He nestles the photo into the pages of his diary.
The nurse nestles the baby against her shoulder.
Word forms
| base form | nestle |
|---|---|
| past tense | nestled |
| past participle | nestled |
| -ing form | nestling |
Common combinations
- nestle against
- The puppy nestles against my arm when it is tired.
- nestle into
- She nestles into the cushions and closes her eyes.
- nestle among
- The old church nestles among trees at the edge of town.
- nestle in
- The village nestles in a valley below the mountains.
- nestle close to
- The child nestles close to her father on the sofa.
Synonyms and how they differ
- snuggle
- More affectionate and often used for people or pets settling down happily; 'nestle' can also describe places hidden among things.
- cuddle
- Focuses on holding someone closely with your arms, while 'nestle' simply means pressing or settling close.
- huddle
- Suggests a group crowding together for warmth or safety, not one person or thing settling comfortably.
Word family
Commonly confused: nestles or Nestlé?
nestles vs Nestlé
'Nestlé' is a company name and is always written with a capital N and an accent. 'Nestles' is the ordinary verb form.
Practice
The small hotel ______ among tall pine trees near the lake.
Choose one answer.
'The hotel' is third-person singular, so the present tense verb needs -s: 'nestles'. 'Nestle' is the base form and would not agree with a singular subject here, and 'nestled in' adds a second preposition where 'among' already follows.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “nestles”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.