Word
snug
US/ˈsnəɡ/
UK/snˈʌɡ/
Definitions
01warm and cozy
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.
“The children were snug in their beds while the storm blew outside.”
“Wrapped in a thick woollen blanket by the fireplace, she felt perfectly snug despite the freezing temperatures in the valley below.”
Synonyms
02close-fitting
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.
“These new running shoes have a snug fit around the heel.”
“The technician ensured the gasket was snug against the pipe to prevent any high-pressure steam from escaping during the test.”
03pub room
C1 · Advanced Countable noun 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.
“We found a quiet snug in the corner of the pub to discuss our plans.”
“The old tavern retained its original Victorian snug, where regulars could enjoy a pint away from the noise of the dartboard and television.”
Synonyms
04to nestle
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.
“The cat decided to snug down into the pile of fresh laundry.”
“As the evening chill descended, the hikers began to snug themselves into their sleeping bags, seeking refuge from the mountain air.”
Real-World Examples
“A large respirator fits snug over my nose and mouth.” “Drill your hole at your pencil mark, push in the Rawlplug so it’s snug with the surface of the wall, then bang in the nail.” Etymology
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.
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/snug