verb (used without object), nuz·zled, nuz·zling.
- to burrow or root with the nose, snout, etc., as an animal does: a rabbit nuzzling into the snow.
- to thrust the nose, muzzle, etc.: The dog nuzzled up to his master.
- to lie very close to someone or something; cuddle or snuggle up.
verb (used with object), nuz·zled, nuz·zling.
- to root up with the nose, snout, etc.: training pigs to nuzzle truffles from the ground.
- to touch or rub with the nose, snout, muzzle, etc.
- to thrust the nose, muzzle, snout, etc., against or into: The horse was nuzzling my pocket for sugar.
- to thrust (the nose or head), as into something.
- to lie very close to; cuddle or snuggle up to.
noun
- an affectionate embrace or cuddle.
verb
- to push or rub gently against the nose or snout
- (intr) to nestle; lie close
- (tr) to dig out with the snout
early 15c., “to bring the nose to the ground,” back-formation from noselyng “on the nose, prostrate,” frequentative of nose (v.); meaning “burrow with the nose” is first attested 1520s; that of “lie snug” is from 1590s, influenced by nestle, or by nursle, frequentative of nurse. Related: Nuzzled; nuzzling.