Meaning & use
snuggling
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“snuggling” is a form of “snuggle”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitiveinformal
Pressing close to someone or something to feel warm, safe and affectionate.
Grammar: Usually followed by up, down, in or a place: snuggling up on the sofa.
Patterns
- snuggling up to someone
- snuggling together
The kids were snuggling under a blanket to watch the movie.
The puppy was snuggling against her arm.
We spent the rainy afternoon snuggling by the fire.
verbintransitiveinformal
Settling yourself into a cozy, comfortable position, usually in bedding or clothing.
Grammar: Often with in, down or into: snuggling into a scarf.
Patterns
- snuggling into something
- snuggling down in something
She was snuggling into her scarf against the cold.
He is snuggling down in bed with a book.
verbtransitiveinformal
Holding someone or something gently and closely in your arms.
Grammar: Takes an object: snuggling the baby.
Patterns
- snuggling someone
He was snuggling the sleeping baby in his arms.
Common combinations
- snuggling up
- The cat was snuggling up beside the radiator.
- snuggling together
- The twins were snuggling together under a quilt.
- snuggling on the sofa
- They enjoyed snuggling on the sofa with hot cocoa.
- snuggling with a pet
- Snuggling with a pet can calm anxious people.
- keep snuggling
- Let's keep snuggling a little longer.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cuddling
- Cuddling is more about holding someone in your arms, while snuggling stresses the cozy, nestling position.
- nestling
- Nestling is more literary and suggests settling into a snug spot.
- huddling
- Huddling suggests pressing together for warmth or fear, and is less affectionate.
- curling up
- Curling up can be done alone, whereas snuggling usually involves closeness to another person or thing.
Word family
Commonly confused: snuggling or smuggling? snuggling or cuddling?
snuggling vs smuggling
Smuggling is bringing goods illegally across a border, and has nothing to do with affection.
snuggling vs cuddling
Cuddling focuses on holding in your arms, while snuggling is closer to nestling in.
Practice
Which sentence uses snuggling correctly?
Choose one answer.
Snuggling describes warm, close contact, as with kittens in a basket. The border sentence needs smuggling, which sounds similar but means something else.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “snuggling”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.