What does hug mean?
A hug is an embrace in which someone places their arms around another person or holds something close. The verb commonly expresses affection, comfort, reassurance, congratulation, or greeting: people hug friends, relatives, and partners, and may hug a child to calm or protect them. It can also describe clinging or staying extremely close, sometimes because of fear, cold, or reluctance to let go. The noun refers to the embrace itself, as in “she gave him a hug,” and may also describe someone or something that provides comfort or is kept close. Although often tender and personal, the word can be used more critically when someone appears to be holding on too tightly or seeking excessive reassurance. Its simplicity makes it useful across everyday conversation, literature, and informal storytelling.
To put the arms around someone or something closely, usually as an expression of affection, reassurance, congratulation, or greeting.
"They hugged each other at the airport."
The verb is informal and typically indicates physical closeness and a positive emotional connection.
To stay very close to or cling to someone or something.
"The child hugged her mother's leg."
This sense can suggest dependence, fear, comfort, or reluctance to let go.
An embrace in which someone holds another person or thing closely with the arms.
"He received a joyful hug from his family."
Common expressions include “give someone a hug” and “a warm hug.”
A person or thing that is held close, especially as a source of comfort or security.
"The worn sweater was her old comfort hug."
This sense is less common and often conveys emotional attachment or self-soothing.
The plural is used for separate embraces or for people or things that provide comfort when held close.
"The children exchanged hugs before saying goodbye."
A hug can communicate affection, reassurance, or gratitude before a single word is spoken.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hug come from?
The word appears in Middle English in forms such as huggen, meaning to embrace or hold closely. Its deeper origin is uncertain, though it is often linked to Old French huguer, probably with influence from Germanic vocabulary; similar forms meaning to embrace occur in Dutch, Swedish, and Danish. The modern word developed through Middle English and early modern English into the familiar verb and noun meanings used today.
Related word forms
How hug is actually used
The word is warm and informal in most contexts, though it can also convey a less affectionate, clinging quality. In British and American English, it is used for both affectionate embraces and the act of holding something closely.