WordGarden.iocuddly
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈʌdli/
US
- /ˈkədli/
Meanings
Adjective
soft and pleasant to hold close
affectionate and fond of cuddling
Beyond the definition
When something is cuddly, it makes you want to hug it. It's often used to describe things that are soft, warm, and inviting—like a favorite stuffed animal or a fluffy kitten. But "cuddly" isn't just about physical softness; it can also describe people who are affectionate and enjoy close physical contact. You might say your little cousin is a very cuddly child, always wanting to snuggle up. It implies a comforting and heartwarming quality. Think of bears hibernating—they seem made for maximum cuddliness during the winter months.
The word "cuddly" describes something that inspires affection and a desire for physical closeness. While often associated with softness, warmth, and fluffiness—think plush toys, kittens, or lambs—it goes beyond mere texture. A "cuddly" object evokes feelings of comfort, security, and tenderness. You might describe a favorite blanket as cuddly because it provides emotional solace and a sense of safety.
However, "cuddly" isn't limited to inanimate objects. It's frequently used to characterize people, particularly children or pets, who are affectionate, enjoy being held, and seek out physical contact. A "cuddly" baby is one who loves snuggles and being cradled!
The context of usage often leans towards a sense of endearment and warmth. You wouldn't typically describe a fearsome dragon as cuddly, unless you were using ironic humor. It implies a gentle, inviting quality that encourages closeness. While not a formal term, "cuddly" is widely understood to represent something or someone lovable and huggable—a little bit of cozy happiness wrapped up in a word.
Examples
- 1
Toy
She fell asleep holding a soft, cuddly teddy bear.
- 2
Young animals
The puppies look adorable now, but they won't stay this small and cuddly for long.
- 3
Family affection
He seems tough at first, but he's actually very cuddly with his kids.
- Patterncuddly with + person
physically affectionate in a warm way
- 4
Brand image
The new ad campaign tries to give the brand a more cuddly image.
- Phrasea cuddly image
a warm, friendly, easy-to-like image
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Corporate image
It's a powerful company, but nobody would describe it as cuddly.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- cuddlyadjective
Forms
- cuddliestsuperlativeadjective
- cuddliercomparativeadjective