Cuddle vs. Snuggle: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on November 18, 2023
Cuddling involves holding someone close for warmth or comfort, while snuggling is about settling into or moving into a warm and comfortable position.
Key Differences
"Cuddle" involves holding someone close for warmth or affection, often while sitting or lying down. It suggests a comforting embrace. An example is, "The mother cuddled her child." "Snuggle," however, implies moving into a cozy, comfortable position, often while in bed or on a couch. For instance, "She snuggled into the blankets."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
"Cuddle" often carries a connotation of providing comfort or showing affection, as in the phrase, "The couple cuddled in silence." In contrast, "snuggle" suggests seeking comfort or warmth for oneself, typically in a cozy position, such as "He snuggled under the warm blanket."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
In terms of physical contact, a "cuddle" is an act of wrapping arms around someone, suggesting a protective or loving gesture. It's common in expressions like, "They cuddled on the sofa." Conversely, "snuggle" is more about adjusting oneself into a comfortable position, often close to another person or object, as in "The cat snuggled against its owner."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
When people "cuddle," they are usually engaging in a deliberate act of closeness, emphasizing emotional warmth. For example, "They cuddled to stay warm." In the case of "snuggle," the action is more about settling into a comfortable position for relaxation, like "She snuggled into the corner of the couch."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
A "cuddle" can be both a noun and a verb, denoting the act of embracing affectionately. For instance, "Their cuddle was comforting." "Snuggle," too, can be both a noun and a verb, but it emphasizes settling into a snug position, as in "Their snuggle on the chilly night was cozy."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Holding close for warmth or comfort
Settling into a comfortable, warm position
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Nov 15, 2023
Context of Use
Often with others for emotional warmth
Typically for personal comfort or warmth
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Nov 15, 2023
Cuddle and Snuggle Definitions
Snuggle
To curl up closely or comfortably; nestle
Snuggled happily under the covers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Snuggle
To draw close or hold closely, as for comfort or in affection; hug.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cuddle
A snuggle; an affectionate embrace, often given to family members and close friends.
Give me a cuddle, Paul, it'll cheer you up.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cuddle
(intransitive) To embrace affectionately; to lie together snugly.
The young lovers cuddled on the couch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Cuddle
(transitive) To cradle in one's arms so as to give comfort, warmth.
She cuddled the infant before bedtime.
I'm cold; can you roll over here and cuddle me, honey?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Snuggle
To lie close to another person or thing, hugging or being cosy.
Sometimes my girlfriend and I snuggle.
The surrounding buildings snuggled each other.
The last drop of jager snuggled the corner of the pint.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Snuggle
To move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cosy position.
Tired but satisfied, the children snuggled into their sleeping bags.
The pet dog snuggles into its new bed.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cuddle
To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle.
She cuddles low beneath the brake;Nor would she stay, nor dares she fly.
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Oct 19, 2023
Snuggle
To move one way and the other so as to get a close place; to lie close for comfort; to cuddle; to nestle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Snuggle
Move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position;
We cuddled against each other to keep warm
The children snuggled into their sleeping bags
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Oct 19, 2023
Snuggle
Position comfortably;
The baby nestled her head in her mother's elbow
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Oct 19, 2023
Cuddle
Move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position;
We cuddled against each other to keep warm
The children snuggled into their sleeping bags
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Cuddle
Hold (a person or thing) close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth;
I cuddled the baby
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
When is "cuddle" typically used?
In contexts of showing affection or comfort.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Example sentence with "cuddle"?
"We cuddled on the couch while watching the movie."
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Nov 15, 2023
Is "cuddle" only for people?
It's mostly used for people but can involve pets.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can "cuddle" imply emotional support?
Yes, it often conveys emotional closeness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Are "cuddle" and "snuggle" interchangeable?
In some contexts, but they have unique connotations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Does "snuggle" imply seeking comfort?
Yes, it's about finding a cozy, comfortable spot.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is "snuggle" always intimate?
Not necessarily, it can be casual or intimate.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do "cuddle" and "snuggle" overlap?
Yes, they can be similar but have distinct nuances.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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