The word "cuddle" refers to the act of holding someone closely in your arms, typically in a loving or affectionate manner. It is often associated with feelings of warmth, comfort, and intimacy, which can occur between friends, family members, or romantic partners.
The word "cuddle" is believed to have originated in the late 16th century. It is thought to be a variation of the word "cuddel," which is a frequentative form of "cuddle" and may be related to the Middle English word "cuddel," meaning to move closer together or to nestle.