What does nuzzle mean?
To nuzzle is to rub or press one's nose or face gently against someone or something, usually as a sign of affection. The word is especially common in descriptions of people showing tenderness toward one another and of animals greeting or comforting a person, although it can also describe cuddling or nestling without an explicit reference to the nose. “The dog nuzzled her hand” conveys both physical closeness and affection more vividly than “the dog touched her hand.” As a noun, a nuzzle is an affectionate rub, nuzzle, or snug contact. Nuzzling is common in both British and American English. It generally carries a warm, tender connotation, though context can make it more playful or intimate. Because the word often evokes an animal pressing its muzzle into someone, it can also be used figuratively for tender, caring, or comforting contact.
To rub or press the nose or face gently and affectionately against someone or something; to cuddle or nestle closely.
"The child nuzzled the pillow while listening to the story."
The word is affectionate and often describes contact between people or people and animals.
An affectionate act of rubbing or nestling with the nose or face; a tender cuddle.
"He gave her a quick nuzzle before leaving the room."
A nuzzle is usually gentle, close, and affectionate in tone.
The plural is used for separate affectionate acts of nuzzling.
"The kittens exchanged a series of tiny nuzzles."
Nuzzle began with a very specific idea: pressing one's nose affectionately against another person or animal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nuzzle come from?
Nuzzle is attested in English from the early modern period and was originally associated with pressing the nose against someone or something. Its earliest sense therefore emphasized the physical action later understood as affectionate. The verb subsequently broadened to include cuddling or nestling closely, and a noun meaning an affectionate nuzzle developed from the same root.
Related word forms
How nuzzle is actually used
The word is affectionate and usually describes close physical contact between people or between a person and an animal. It is often associated with warmth, tenderness, and comfort, and is less appropriate for impersonal or forceful contact.
Easily confused with nuzzle
As a verb, nuzzle describes affectionate rubbing or nestling with the nose or face; as a noun, it refers to that affectionate act.