snug

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparableapproving

   Warm, sheltered and comfortable, usually in a small, cozy space.

   Grammar: Often follows be or feel: it was snug in the cabin.

   Patterns

   • snug in something
   • snug as a bug

   We stayed snug in our sleeping bags while the snow fell outside.

   The cottage is small but wonderfully snug.

   The baby looked snug in her knitted blanket.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Fitting closely and tightly against the body or around something.

   Grammar: Used for clothing and other items: a snug jacket.

   Patterns

   • a snug fit

   The jacket was a snug fit across the shoulders.

   The lid should be snug so that no air gets in.

   Her new boots felt a little too snug.

3. 3nouncountableBritish

   A small, private room in a traditional pub, where customers can sit away from the main bar.

   Grammar: Mainly used in British and Irish pubs.

   Patterns

   • in the snug

   We found a seat in the snug at the back of the pub.

   The old pub still has a little snug with a fireplace.

   Regulars like to sit in the snug and play cards.

Word forms

Common combinations

snug as a bug in a rug

The kitten was snug as a bug in a rug in the laundry basket.

a snug fit

The new helmet is a snug fit.

snug and warm

We were snug and warm by the fire.

a snug cabin

They rented a snug cabin in the mountains.

feel snug

I always feel snug on rainy afternoons with a book.

Synonyms and how they differ

cozy

Cozy is the closest synonym and is used for places that feel warm and comfortable, but it does not suggest a close fit.

tight

Tight describes a close fit and can be uncomfortable, while snug is usually positive.

comfortable

Comfortable is general, whereas snug suggests warmth in a small, enclosed place.

sheltered

Sheltered describes protection from weather or danger and does not necessarily mean warm or cozy.

Opposites

Word family

snugly adverb

in a close or comfortable way

snugness noun

the state of being snug

snuggle verb

to curl up close to someone for warmth

snuggery noun

a cozy, small room

Commonly confused: snug or smug?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “snug”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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