/ ˈkʌdl; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
to hold sb/sth close in your arms to show love or affection
SYN hug :
[ v ]
A couple of teenagers were kissing and cuddling on the doorstep.
[ vn ]
The little boy cuddled the teddy bear close.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- cuddle up (to / against sb/sth) | cuddle up (together)
■ noun
[ usually sing. ] the action of holding sb close in your arms to show love or affection
SYN hug :
to give sb a cuddle
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WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent. (rare before the 18th cent.): of unknown origin.