nuzzle
/'nʌzl/
Definition
Verb (transitive):
- To push or rub gently with the nose or snout, often as a sign of affection or to seek attention.
- To dig or root out with the nose or snout.
Verb (intransitive):
- To nestle, snuggle, or cuddle closely and comfortably, often by burrowing or pressing gently.
- To rub or press the nose against someone or something gently.
Examples of Usage
Verb (transitive):
- The horse nuzzled my hand, looking for a treat.
- The pig nuzzled the ground, searching for truffles.
Verb (intransitive):
- The puppy nuzzled against its mother for warmth.
- She nuzzled into the soft pillow and fell asleep.
Advanced Usage
"to nuzzle up to (someone/something)": to move close to someone or something in a cozy, affectionate manner.
- The cat nuzzled up to its owner on the sofa.
"to nuzzle into": to burrow or press oneself comfortably into something soft.
- The child nuzzled into the blanket.
Variants and Related Words
- Nuzzling (n/adj): The act or an instance of nuzzling; characterized by gentle rubbing or snuggling.
- The nuzzling of the foal was a gentle sight.
Synonyms
- Snuggle: To settle or move into a warm, comfortable position.
- Nestle: To settle or lie comfortably within or against something.
- Burrow: To make a snug place by digging or pressing in.
- Root: (For animals) to dig or turn over with the snout.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
Nuzzle against: To press gently against something with the nose or face.
- The calf nuzzled against the farmer's leg.
Nuzzle close: To move very near in a cozy way.
- They nuzzled close together by the fire.
Related Idioms
- None commonly associated solely with "nuzzle." The word itself often conveys the idiomatic sense of affectionate closeness or seeking comfort.
Verb
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dig out with the snout
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the pig nuzzled the truffle
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rub noses
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move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
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We cuddled against each other to keep warm
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The children snuggled into their sleeping bags
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