cud·dle I. \ˈkədəl\verb (cuddled ; cuddled ; cuddling \ˈkəd(ə)liŋ\ ; cuddles) Etymology: origin unknown transitive verb : to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection : fondle, hug intransitive verb : to lie close or snug : nestle, snuggle II. noun (-s) : a close embrace : the act of nestling III. now dialect variant of cuttle I