Cuddling: meaning, definitions and examples

🤗

Add to dictionary

cuddling

[ˈkʌdəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

showing affection

Cuddling is a form of physical intimacy involving hugging or holding close in a loving and tender way. It is a way to express care, love, and comfort towards another person. Cuddling can create a sense of warmth and security, promoting emotional bond and closeness.

Synonyms

embracing, nestling, snuggling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cuddling	Used to describe holding someone close affectionately, often in a loving or intimate setting. Common in relationships or moments of comfort. They spent the evening cuddling on the couch while watching a movie. Cuddling the baby helps to calm him down.
snuggling	Similar to cuddling, but often implies a more cozy and informal setting. Used to describe getting close for warmth, comfort, or affection, often in a relaxed environment. They were snuggling under the blanket during the cold night. She snuggled up with a good book and a cup of tea.
embracing	Typically used to describe holding someone tightly in one's arms, often in a more formal or significant context such as greetings, farewells, or moments of strong emotion. They embraced each other warmly after being apart for years. The mother embraced her child after the first day of school.
nestling	Used to describe settling down comfortably and snugly, often in a protected or cozy spot. Can imply a sense of safety or protection. The kittens were nestling together in their bed. She nestled into the pillows, ready for a good night's sleep.

Examples of usage

They spent the evening cuddling on the couch.
After a long day, all she wanted was some cuddling with her partner.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

showing affection

To cuddle means to hold close in a loving and tender way, usually involving physical touch and closeness. It is an act of showing care, love, and affection towards someone by embracing them in a warm and gentle manner.

Synonyms

embrace, hug, snuggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cuddling	Cuddling usually describes a situation where two people are holding each other closely, often in a gentle and loving way. It's common in romantic relationships or between close family members, like a parent and child. After a long day, they enjoyed cuddling on the couch while watching a movie
embrace	Embrace can refer to a hug but is often used to describe a warm, affectionate hug that is more formal or profound. It can also mean to accept or support something willingly or enthusiastically. They shared an emotional embrace at the airport after not seeing each other for years
hug	Hug describes a common gesture of affection, greeting, or comfort where one or both people reach around and hold each other briefly. She gave her friend a big hug when they met at the party
snuggle	Snuggle is similar to cuddling but often implies a desire for warmth and comfort. It usually involves getting close and cozy, often lying down or wrapped in blankets. The little cat loved to snuggle up against its owner on chilly evenings

Examples of usage

She loves to cuddle with her pet cat.
When feeling sad, she finds comfort in cuddling her favorite teddy bear.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Physical closeness, like cuddling, releases oxytocin, which helps people feel happier and more connected.
Cuddling can reduce stress and anxiety; it promotes feelings of safety and warmth.
Engaging in cuddling can help strengthen relationships by fostering intimacy and trust.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, cuddling and physical affection play significant roles in bonding among family and friends.
Some cultures celebrate the act of cuddling as a vital part of life, promoting it as a public display of love and friendship.
In Japan, 'sofa hugging' has gained popularity, where people pay for cuddle sessions as a way to alleviate loneliness.

Health Benefits

Regular cuddling can boost the immune system by decreasing cortisol levels, helping combat stress.
Cuddling can enhance heart health by lowering blood pressure and heart rate during emotional bonding.
Loving touch through cuddling has been linked to better sleep quality and overall well-being.

Literature and Art

Cuddling often appears in literature as a symbol of love, comfort, and companionship between characters.
In Renaissance art, intimate embraces depicted in paintings showcase the emotional and physical depth of human connections.
Modern literature frequently uses cuddling to express affection and vulnerability between protagonists.

Scientific Studies

Research indicates that cuddling can enhance emotional communication and support motivation in relationships.
Studies show that people who engage in frequent cuddling report higher levels of life satisfaction and emotional resilience.
Neuroscientific research suggests that cuddling engages brain areas associated with trust, bonding, and pleasure.

Translations

Translations of the word "cuddling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abraçar

🇮🇳 गले लगाना

🇩🇪 kuscheln

🇮🇩 berpelukan

🇺🇦 обійми

🇵🇱 przytulanie

🇯🇵 抱きしめる

🇫🇷 câliner

🇪🇸 abrazar

🇹🇷 kucaklamak

🇰🇷 껴안기

🇸🇦 العناق

🇨🇿 mazlení

🇸🇰 maznanie

🇨🇳 拥抱

🇸🇮 crkljanje

🇮🇸 knús

🇰🇿 құшақтасу

🇬🇪 ჩახუტება

🇦🇿 qucaqlamaq

🇲🇽 abrazar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,684 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30681 emulator
30682 typo
30683 scorer
30684 cuddling
30685 liquefy
30686 motet
30687 pogrom
...