What does "snuggle up" mean (sense 1)?

To move close to another person and settle into a warm, comfortable position, usually affectionately. Example: "The children snuggled up to their mother on the sofa and fell asleep during the film."

What does "snuggle up" mean (sense 2)?

To settle comfortably and warmly into a position with a soft object such as a blanket or pillow. Example: "She snuggled up under the duvet with a good book and a mug of cocoa."

What does "snuggle up" mean (sense 3)?

To press close to someone in a romantic or intimate way. Example: "They snuggled up together by the fire, watching the snow fall outside."

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snuggle up

A2 informal inseparable intransitive

To settle into a warm, comfortable position close to someone or something.

In plain English

To move close to someone or something soft and warm and make yourself very comfortable.

What does "snuggle up" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 informal

common

To move close to another person and settle into a warm, comfortable position, usually affectionately.

"The children snuggled up to their mother on the sofa and fell asleep during the film."

inseparable

2 A2 informal

common

To settle comfortably and warmly into a position with a soft object such as a blanket or pillow.

"She snuggled up under the duvet with a good book and a mug of cocoa."

inseparable

3 A2 informal

common

To press close to someone in a romantic or intimate way.

"They snuggled up together by the fire, watching the snow fall outside."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To snuggle (nestle closely) while moving up into a comfortable position — fairly transparent.

Actually means

To move close to someone or something soft and warm and make yourself very comfortable.

Usage tip

Very positive, warm connotation. Used with 'to' or 'with' (snuggle up to/with someone). Common in domestic, romantic, and child-rearing contexts. Also used with objects: snuggle up under a blanket.

Words that pair with "snuggle up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

blanket sofa partner together beside under the covers

How to conjugate "snuggle up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

snuggle up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

snuggles up

he/she/it

Past simple

snuggled up

yesterday

Past participle

snuggled up

have + pp

-ing form

snuggling up

continuous

Hear "snuggle up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "snuggle up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "snuggle up"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

cosy up cuddle up curl up huddle up nestle up nuzzle up

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "snuggle" All phrasal verbs with "up" More A2-level phrasal verbs