Cuddly describes something so soft, warm, and huggable that you want to snuggle up close to it. A stuffed teddy bear is cuddly. A friendly cat curled up in your lap is cuddly. That favorite fleece blanket you wrap yourself in on cold mornings? Also cuddly.

The word captures both a physical feeling and an emotional one. Something cuddly is soft to touch, but it also makes you feel safe, comfortable, and content. A baby panda looks cuddly because it's small, fuzzy, and seems perfect for holding close. Your family dog might be especially cuddly after a bath, when its fur is clean and fluffy.

People sometimes describe other people as cuddly too, usually meaning they're warm, affectionate, and comforting to be around. A cuddly grandparent might give the best hugs. But be careful: while a pet rabbit might be cuddly, a wild bear definitely isn't, no matter how soft its fur looks. The word cuddly suggests something you can actually cuddle safely.