What are the definitions of “cuddle up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To snuggle or get close to someone or something in a comfortable and affectionate way.
He cuddled up to her on the sofa.
- 2To snuggle closely together for warmth or comfort.
If it's really cold, it's a good excuse to cuddle up for warmth.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cuddle up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cuddle up is to snuggle or get close to someone or something in a comfortable and affectionate way. It is often used to describe the action of getting close to someone for warmth, comfort, or affection.
What are the different verb forms of “cuddle up”?
| Root Verb | cuddle up |
| Third Person Singular Present | cuddles up |
| Present Participle | cuddling up |
| Simple Past | cuddled up |
| Past Participle | cuddled up |
Example
The cat likes to cuddle up with its owner.
Example
She cuddles up to her boyfriend while watching a movie.
Example
The children are cuddling up to their mother during the bedtime story.
Example
Last night, they cuddled up together on the couch.
Example
The couple had cuddled up under the blanket to stay warm.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cuddle up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“cuddle up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The dog cuddled up in its bed.
Example
They cuddled up together for warmth.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cuddle up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The dog cuddled up in its bed.
Example
They cuddled up together for warmth.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cuddle up”?
Cuddle up with a book
To get comfortable and read a book, often while wrapped in a blanket or sitting in a cozy spot.
Example
On a rainy day, she likes to cuddle up with a good book.
Cuddle up to someone
To snuggle or get close to someone in a comfortable and affectionate way.
Example
The baby cuddled up to her mother for comfort.
Cuddle up together
To snuggle closely with another person or people for warmth or comfort.
Example
During the cold winter nights, they cuddled up together under a warm blanket.
Good things to know
Does “cuddle up” have an informal or formal tone?
Cuddle up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
