1 B2 informal
To make oneself warm and comfortable, especially by curling up or moving close to a source of warmth.
"She cosied up by the fire with a good book and a mug of tea."
inseparable
cosy up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To make oneself warm and comfortable, typically by curling up or moving close to something or someone.
In plain English
To get cosy and comfortable, usually by curling up somewhere warm.
What does "cosy up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To move close to someone for warmth or affection.
"The children cosied up to their mother on the sofa as the storm raged outside."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something or oneself cosy (warm, comfortable).
Actually means
To get cosy and comfortable, usually by curling up somewhere warm.
Usage tip
Often used reflexively or describing a pleasurable physical comfort, such as curling up by a fire or under a blanket. British English spelling is 'cosy'; American English uses 'cozy up.' Note that 'cozy up to' (American) or 'cosy up to' (British) is a related but distinct phrasal verb meaning to ingratiate oneself.
Words that pair with "cosy up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fire sofa blanket armchair bed
How to conjugate "cosy up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cosy up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cosies up
he/she/it
Past simple
cosied up
yesterday
Past participle
cosied up
have + pp
-ing form
cosying up
continuous
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