cuddle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cuddle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of holding someone close in one's arms as a way of showing affection or comfort. Example: "After a long day, all I wanted to do was cuddle on the couch with my partner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Healthcare

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I celebrate my birthday in the morning with my girlfriends over brunch and, in the evening, I order in and cuddle up with my dog.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Eventually they came back home and gave me a big cuddle.

The Guardian

What it isn't is an adorable pet, small child or anything you'd want to cuddle up to without calling pest control first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The baby is born – a mass of limp, tumbling limbs, he has no tone - and you cradle him gently, washing him and dressing him until his parents are ready to cuddle and touch him.

The Guardian

Today I could undress, undo, wipe, dispose, dry, fasten, re-dress, swaddle and cuddle in a single fluid motion, like a master teppanyaki chef.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes known as the "cuddle chemical", its positive role in experiences such as orgasm and childbirth seems to have led some to imagine it as an inhalable happy drug.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In April 1979, Margaret Thatcher was on the campaign trail in East Anglia when she had the opportunity to cuddle a calf.

The Guardian

John Dale, editor since launch of the market-leading women's weekly Take a Break, used to offer the following prescription for politicians looking to woo his huge readership: "Cuddle a fluffy dog, look after your family, be kind to others".

The Guardian

The claims for pet therapy are well established – if not firmly proved – and this week university students taking exams have been given an opportunity to cuddle up to piglets to relieve their stress.

The Guardian

But a soft Fimbles toy, with a high "cuddle value", he says, brings a character to life and enhances the brand.The limit of acceptable commercialisation, though, is hard to define.

The Economist

Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau, who finished her MBA at London Business School this summer, wrote of the au pair she hired: "Although you will feel sad and even jealous watching your children cuddle her when you head out the door for an early-morning class, your children will learn that more people than their parents find them lovable and fascinating and maddening.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cuddle" to describe physical affection that provides comfort and warmth. It's suitable for intimate and familial contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "cuddle" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for terms like "embrace" or "support" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cuddle" is as both a verb (describing the action of embracing) and a noun (referring to the act of cuddling itself). As Ludwig highlights, it describes an act of affection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cuddle" is a versatile term used to describe an affectionate embrace, primarily in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It functions both as a verb and a noun, conveying feelings of comfort, warmth, and intimacy. While suitable for personal and familial settings, it should be used cautiously in formal or professional writing. Related phrases like "snuggle" and "embrace affectionately" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to use "cuddle" to describe physical affection that provides comfort, and avoid overusing it in professional settings. The abundance of examples that Ludwig provides underscore its prevalence in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snuggle

Implies a closer, more comfortable embrace.

embrace affectionately

Highlights the loving nature of the embrace.

nestle

Suggests a cozy and secure positioning.

hug tightly

Emphasizes the strength and closeness of the hug.

hold closely

Focuses on the act of keeping someone near.

embrace warmly

Highlights the warmth and affection in the embrace.

hold dear

Indicates cherishing and protecting someone.

cradle

Suggests gently holding someone, often a baby.

draw close

Emphasizes the act of getting nearer to someone.

nuzzle

Implies a gentle rubbing, often with the nose.

FAQs

What does "cuddle" mean?

"Cuddle" means to hold someone close in one's arms as a way of showing affection or providing comfort.

What can I say instead of "cuddle"?

You can use alternatives like "snuggle", "embrace affectionately", or "nestle" depending on the context.

Is "cuddle" appropriate in professional writing?

While "cuddle" is fine for informal contexts, it's generally better to use more formal terms like "embrace" or "support" in professional writing.

How do I use "cuddle" in a sentence?

You can use "cuddle" in sentences like: "After a long day, all I wanted to do was cuddle on the couch with my partner" or "She cuddled the infant before bedtime."