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Meaning & use

nuzzling

verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈnʌzlɪŋ/
US/ˈnʌzlɪŋ/

“nuzzling” is a form of “nuzzle”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive or intransitive

    Pressing or rubbing the nose, mouth or face softly against someone or something, usually to show affection.

    Grammar: Takes an object (nuzzling her neck) or none with a preposition (nuzzling against him).

    Patterns

    • nuzzle someone
    • nuzzle against someone

    The horse was nuzzling her shoulder, hoping for a treat.

    The puppy kept nuzzling against his hand.

    She was nuzzling her baby's cheek as he slept.

  2. verbintransitive

    Snuggling or settling comfortably close to someone or something.

    Grammar: Needs a preposition or adverb such as into or up to: nuzzling into the blanket.

    Patterns

    • nuzzle up to someone
    • nuzzle into something

    The kitten was nuzzling into the warm blanket.

    They were nuzzling together on the sofa.

    The cat was nuzzling up to her owner for warmth.

Common combinations

nuzzling against
The calf was nuzzling against its mother.
nuzzling into
She was nuzzling into his coat to keep warm.
nuzzling at
The foal was nuzzling at her pocket.
nuzzling his neck
The dog was nuzzling his neck and wagging its tail.
nuzzling together
The two lambs were nuzzling together in the straw.

Synonyms and how they differ

snuggling
Snuggling means curling up cozily and may involve the whole body, while nuzzling focuses on the nose or face.
cuddling
Cuddling is hugging closely for affection, but nuzzling is gentler and more of a rub or press.
nestling
Nestling is settling in snugly like a bird in a nest, while nuzzling is rubbing with the nose or face.
nudging
Nudging is poking lightly to get attention, and it lacks the affectionate softness of nuzzling.

Opposites

pushing away

Word family

nuzzle verb
to rub or press the nose or face affectionately against something
nuzzled verb
past form of nuzzle
nuzzler noun
one who nuzzles (rare)
nose noun
the part of the face used in nuzzling

Commonly confused: nuzzling or nestling?

nuzzling vs nestling

Nestling also means a young bird still in the nest, while nuzzling is about rubbing the nose affectionately.

Practice

The horse was ___ her sleeve, looking for the apple in her pocket.

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