nestle

IPA/ˈnesl/
KK[nˈɛsəl]IPA/ˈnesl/

nestle — verb

  • nestlepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • nestleshe / she / it
  • nestledpast simple
  • nestling-ing form

1. to move your body, or one part of it, into a soft or warm place so that you feel

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to move your body, or one part of it, into a soft or warm place so that you feel safe, close, and comfortable

Example

Nora nestled into the window seat with a blanket and her mystery novel.

nestle into [soft place]

The puppy nestled against Gabriel's leg during the long train ride home.

Common collocations
  • nestle into a chair
  • nestle against someone's shoulder
  • nestle under a blanket
  • nestle your hands inside
Synonyms
  • snuggle

    more informal and often suggests affection between people or animals

  • curl up

    focuses on drawing the body into a rounded position

Antonyms
  • pull away

    to move out of close or comfortable contact

Grammar Patterns

nestle + into/against/under + noun

nestle + body part + inside/against + noun

Usage Note

Often followed by into, against, under, or inside. This sense highlights the cozy physical movement itself, unlike sense 2, which focuses on being sheltered by larger things around the person or object.

2. to place something, or to be located, where larger things partly surround it and

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to place something, or to be located, where larger things partly surround it and keep it tucked away from open view

Example

Elise nestled the ring box between folded scarves in the drawer.

nestle + object + between [larger things]

A small chapel nestles among pine trees above the fishing village.

nestle among + surrounding landscape

Common collocations
  • nestle among trees
  • nestle between rocks
  • nestle in a valley
  • nestle a box inside
Synonyms
  • tuck

    more general and often more active, without the same sheltered tone

  • ensconce

    more formal and often used for placing someone or something securely

Antonyms
  • expose

    to leave something open and unprotected

Grammar Patterns

nestle + object + between/in/among + noun

nestle + in/among/between + noun

Usage Note

Usually followed by a place phrase such as in, among, between, or behind. The subject is often a small building or object, or the object of the verb is something you want cushioned or protected.

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Nestle usually suggests moving into a warm, sheltered, or close position. Snuggle is more informal and often adds affection. Curl up emphasizes bending the body into a rounded shape, while tuck is more general and often focuses on putting something neatly into place.

snuggle ↗curl up ↗tuck ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • nestle into bed
  • nestle against someone's shoulder
  • nestle among the hills

Prepositions