English Reference
adjective · noun · verb

snug

adj. · n. · v.
US /ˈsnəɡ/ UK /snˈʌɡ/ snug UK spelling snugged, snugging, snugs

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.feeling warm, comfortable, and safe, especially in a small space.

    adj.providing a sense of warmth, security, and comfort through physical enclosure.

    Simple

    The children were snug in their beds while the storm blew outside.

    In context

    Wrapped in a thick woollen blanket by the fireplace, she felt perfectly snug despite the freezing temperatures in the valley below.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.fitting very closely or tightly to the body or into a space.

    adj.fitting closely or tightly; having a precise fit with little or no extra space.

    Simple

    These new running shoes have a snug fit around the heel.

    In context

    The technician ensured the gasket was snug against the pipe to prevent any high-pressure steam from escaping during the test.

    tightclose fittingexact
  3. 03 C1 Advanced British English

    n.a small, private, and comfortable room in a traditional pub.

    n.a small, private room in a traditional British public house, typically offering more privacy than the main bar area.

    Simple

    We found a quiet snug in the corner of the pub to discuss our plans.

    In context

    The old tavern retained its original Victorian snug, where regulars could enjoy a pint away from the noise of the dartboard and television.

    parlourprivate room
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Literary

    v.to move close to someone or something to feel warm and safe.

    v.to settle into a warm, comfortable, or secure position; to nestle or snuggle.

    Simple

    The cat decided to snug down into the pile of fresh laundry.

    In context

    As the evening chill descended, the hikers began to snug themselves into their sleeping bags, seeking refuge from the mountain air.


From dialectal English snug (“tight, handsome”), perhaps from Old Norse snøggr, from Proto-Germanic *snawwuz (“short, quick, fast”). Compare Icelandic snöggur (“smooth”), Danish snög (“neat”), Swedish snygg (“handsome, nice-looking”). Compare also English snudge (“to nestle, remain snug and quiet”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin gem-pro *snawwuz
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated