To cuddle means to hold someone close in a warm, gentle, and affectionate way. When you cuddle with your parents on the couch during movie night, or when you cuddle your pet cat while reading a book, you're wrapping your arms around them in a comfortable embrace that feels cozy and safe.

Cuddling is different from a quick hug. A hug might last just a few seconds, but cuddling continues for longer, like when you're settling in to feel warm and relaxed together. Baby animals cuddle with their mothers for warmth and comfort. On cold winter mornings, you might want to stay cuddled up under your blankets instead of getting out of bed.

The word can also be a noun: you might give your dog a cuddle before leaving for school. Young children often have a favorite stuffed animal they cuddle with at bedtime, which is sometimes called a cuddle toy or a cuddly toy. The feeling of cuddling combines physical warmth with emotional comfort, which is why people and animals naturally seek it out when they want to feel safe, loved, or simply cozy.