Holds someone close in a warm, affectionate way; or a group hug or embrace.
Origin uncertain, possibly from Low German 'kuddelen' or imitative in origin, related to the idea of curling up. First appeared in English around 1500s, originally meaning to curl up.
Scientists have found that cuddling releases oxytocin (the 'bonding hormone') in the brain, which is why animals cuddle their young and humans intuitively cuddle when sad—it's literally chemistry making us closer.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.