# hugging

/ˈhəɡɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈʌɡɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hugging
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the act of embracing

noun · CEFR A2

the act of putting your arms around someone to show you care about them.

For teachers: the physical act of embracing another person, typically as a sign of affection, comfort, or greeting.

- There was a lot of hugging and crying at the airport when the family reunited.
- The study suggests that frequent hugging can significantly reduce stress levels by releasing oxytocin in the brain.

## Examples

- The children love hugging their grandparents when they arrive.
- After years of being apart, the two friends spent several minutes hugging at the airport gate.
- Research suggests that frequent hugging can reduce stress levels by releasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding and emotional security.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.