1 A2 informal
To move close to someone and hold them, seeking or giving warmth, comfort, or affection.
"The children cuddled up to their father on the sofa as they watched the film."
inseparable
cuddle up
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To sit or lie very close to someone, wrapping your arms around them for warmth, comfort, or affection.
In plain English
To get close to someone and hold them to feel warm and loved.
What does "cuddle up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To settle into a warm, comfortable, close position with another person or animal, especially in cold weather.
"We cuddled up under a thick blanket as the snow began to fall outside."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cuddle (embrace closely) while moving up close to someone.
Actually means
To get close to someone and hold them to feel warm and loved.
Usage tip
Warm and affectionate connotation. Used between romantic partners, family members, friends, and with pets. Very common in everyday informal speech. Often followed by 'to' or 'with'.
Words that pair with "cuddle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
blanket sofa fire partner pet children
How to conjugate "cuddle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cuddle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cuddles up
he/she/it
Past simple
cuddled up
yesterday
Past participle
cuddled up
have + pp
-ing form
cuddling up
continuous
Hear "cuddle up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cuddle up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "cuddle up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.