Word
cuddly
Phoneticscud·dly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkədɫi/
UK/kˈʌdli/
Definition
adj. soft and pleasant to hold or hug. You use this to describe people, animals, or toys that make you feel warm and comfortable.
adj. inviting or suitable for hugging; soft and endearing in texture or personality. Often used to describe toys, small animals, or affectionate people.
Examples
“The child sleeps with a cuddly teddy bear every night.”
“Even though the puppy looks very cuddly, the trainer warned us that it is still learning not to bite.”
“The marketing campaign successfully transformed the brand's image from a cold, corporate entity into a cuddly and approachable friend to the average consumer.”
Examples
simple
“The child sleeps with a cuddly teddy bear every night.”
contextual
“Even though the puppy looks very cuddly, the trainer warned us that it is still learning not to bite.”
complex
“The marketing campaign successfully transformed the brand's image from a cold, corporate entity into a cuddly and approachable friend to the average consumer.”
Usage
Commonly used both attributively before a noun and predicatively after linking verbs like 'look' or 'feel'.
Etymology
From cuddle + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/cuddly