nestle

verb

nes·​tle ˈne-səl How to pronounce nestle (audio)
nestled; nestling ˈne-s(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce nestle (audio)
Synonyms of nestlenext

intransitive verb

1
archaic : nest sense 1
2
: to settle snugly or comfortably
3
: to lie in an inconspicuous or sheltered manner

transitive verb

1
: to settle, shelter, or house in or as if in a nest
… the children were nestled all snug in their beds …—Clement Moore
2
: to press closely and affectionately
nestles a kitten in her arms
nestler
ˈne-s(ə-)lər How to pronounce nestle (audio)
noun

Synonyms of nestle

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Examples of nestle in a Sentence

He nestled his head against his mother's shoulder. She carefully nestled the hamster into its cage. The fly ball nestled into the outfielder's glove.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rain, snow, and light fall on the crowd, nestled in the Hollywood Hills. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 Stage 9 features four sharp climbs of Col d'Èze, nestled in the hills overlooking the tiny Principality of Monaco. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Food was stored uncovered in a refrigerator and food containers were nestled directly on food items in the cold top. — Vince Basada august 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Add a striking focal point by nestling a statue fountain between groups of colorful flowers or lively foliage. — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nestle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English nestlian, from nest

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nestle was before the 12th century

Rhymes for nestle

See All Rhymes for nestle

Browse Nearby Words

nest fungus
nestle
nestler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nestle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nestle. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nestle

verb
nes·​tle ˈnes-əl How to pronounce nestle (audio)
nestled; nestling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce nestle (audio)
1
: to lie close and snug : cuddle
2
: to settle as if in a nest
nestler
-(ə-)lər How to pronounce nestle (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on nestle

Nglish: Translation of nestle for Spanish Speakers

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