DictionaryAI

nestle

verb
NES-uhl/ˈnɛsəl/

Formsnestles, nestling, nestled

5 meanings of nestle

Practice

  1. 1
    lie shelteredverbintransitive
    To lie in a sheltered place, or partly hidden by the things around it.

    Our cabin nestles under tall pine trees by the lake.

    Little houses nestle along the side of the hill.

    UsageSay a town nestles in a valley, or is nestled among trees.

    Similarlie, sit

    Note
  2. 2
    get cozyverbintransitive
    To get into a warm, comfortable position, often by pressing close to someone.

    The cat likes to nestle in the basket of warm laundry.

    He nestled down in his sleeping bag and fell asleep.

    UsageSay where: nestle into a chair, nestle down in bed.

    Similarsnuggle, cuddle, curl, huddle, settle

    Note
  3. 3
    snuggle (something)verbtransitive
    To move or put something into a comfortable position.

    Mom nestled the baby in her arms and rocked her.

    Gently nestle the kitten in the box with a soft towel.

    UsageSay where: nestle the baby in your arms.

    Similarrest, tuck, settle

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    verbarchaicintransitive
    Of a bird, to build a nest or sit on one.
    Note
  2. 5
    verbarchaictransitive
    Of a bird, to take care of its baby birds.
    This assimilates them more nearly to the natural conditions when the hen nestles her chicks on the earth, whilst the warmth is given chiefly over their backs.
    1871, Gardeners Chronicle & New HorticulturistHere, nestles means cares for and keeps her own chicks warm.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From an Old English word meaning “to build a nest.”

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

  • Nestle derives from an Old English word meaning “to build a nest.” en.wiktionary.org