Cuddling: Meaning, Examples, and Benefits

Meaning 1：affectionate embrace (Cuddling)

Cuddling 🔊

/ˈkʌdlɪŋ/

The act of holding someone close in your arms to show love or for comfort.

Cuddling scene: two people embracing under a blanket on a sofa

affectionate embrace 🔊

➕

/əˈfɛkʃənət ɪmˈbreɪs/

The act of holding someone close in a gentle and loving manner, often for comfort or affection.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'cuddle' (embrace) + '-ing', forming a noun.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'cuddle' as 'curl up and snuggle' - the 'cud' reminds of a cozy cow.

📖 Example

After watching a movie, they spent the evening cuddling on the couch and sharing stories. 🔊 After watching a movie, they spent the evening cuddling on the couch and sharing stories.

🔗 Collocations

cuddling session – a period spent cuddling

cuddling up – snuggling closely against someone

cuddling together – holding each other in a cuddle for warmth or affection

🔄 Synonyms

hug (n.) – An act of putting your arms around someone to show affection.

embrace (n.) – A close, affectionate hold with arms.

snuggle (n.) – A fond, close embrace in a cozy manner.

🚫 Antonyms

push away (v.) – To physically move someone away from you, indicating rejection.

reject (v.) – To refuse to accept or show affection to someone.

ignore (v.) – To pay no attention to someone, withholding affection.

🌱 Derivatives

cuddle (v.) – To hold close for affection or comfort.

cuddly (adj.) – Soft and pleasant to cuddle.

cuddler (n.) – A person who likes to cuddle.

📖 Cultural Story

Origin uncertain; possibly from Low German 'kuddeln' (to embrace). In modern culture, cuddling denotes platonic or romantic closeness and comfort.