nestle
Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈnɛsəl/
Verb

nestle (nestles, present participle nestling; past and past participle nestled)

  1. To settle oneself comfortably and snugly.
  2. To press oneself against another affectionately.
  3. (intransitive) To lie half-hidden or in shelter.
    The old shop nestled between the newer apartment buildings.
    • 1623, Francis Bacon, A Discourse of a War with Spain
      Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild and desolate country, and there to nestle till greater succours came.
  4. (archaic, ornithology, intransitive) To build or sit upon a nest.
    • 1692, Roger L'Estrange, ''''
      The kingfisher […] nestles in hollow banks.
  5. (archaic, ornithology, transitive) Of a bird: to look after its young.
    • 1871, Gardeners Chronicle & New Horticulturist (volume 31, page 123)
      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.
  6. (transitive) To move or place into a comfortable position
    • She made no answer, but her fingers nervously nestled the leaves of a book.
Synonyms
  • (to settle oneself comfortably): settle
  • (to press oneself against another affectionately): cuddle, snuggle
Related terms Translations
  • French: se pelotonner, se nicher
  • German: es sich gemütlich machen
  • Italian: accomodarsi
  • Portuguese: aconchegar-se
  • Russian: гнезди́ться
  • Spanish: acomodarse, acurrucarse
Translations


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