huddle
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move close together in a small group, usually because you are cold or afraid.
v.to gather or crowd together in a close, often disorganized mass, typically for warmth or security.
Simple“The hikers had to huddle together under a tree to stay dry during the storm.”
In context“The sheep began to huddle against the stone wall as the temperature dropped and the wind intensified across the moor.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to sit or lie with your arms and legs pulled close to your body.
v.to draw one's limbs close to the torso, assuming a crouched or foetal position for comfort or protection.
Simple“She huddled under the thick blankets to try and get warm.”
In context“He remained huddled in the corner of the room, refusing to speak to anyone after the accident.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to get together in a small group to talk about something privately.
v.to gather in a small, private group for consultation or discussion, often to decide on a strategy.
Simple“The lawyers had to huddle for a few minutes before answering the judge.”
In context“The management team huddled in the hallway to finalize their response before the press conference began.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small group of people who are standing very close to each other.
n.a small, closely packed group of people or things.
Simple“A small huddle of fans waited outside the stadium for the players.”
In context“A huddle of reporters gathered near the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a quick meeting of players on the field to plan their next move.
n.a brief gathering of players during a break in play to receive instructions or coordinate strategy.
Simple“The quarterback called a huddle to explain the next play to his teammates.”
In context“After the timeout, the team broke from their huddle with renewed energy and executed the play perfectly.”
UsageCommonly used in American football and basketball.
From Middle English hudelen, alteration (due to hudels, hidels (“hiding place”), see hiddle) of huderen, hoderen (“to cover; press together; huddle”), a frequentative form of Middle English huden, hiden (“to hide”), equivalent to hide + -le and/or hide + -er. Compare Low German huderken (“to brood; coddle; nurse; lull children to sleep”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.