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.
For over a year, residents of Serbia's capital were blocked from entering one of the city's most prominent parks, nestled between Parliament and Vucic's offices. — Jovana Gec, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 The New Mexico town, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, is filled with incredible views of nature. — Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 Sit indoors among the sleek black and white marble interiors or, weather permitting, head outside to the garden nestled into the courtyard outfitted with pastel armchairs and sofas among the climbing ivy and leafy potted plants. — Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 As petrified parents filed into the warehouse-like church nestled in a strip mall and took seats on folding chairs, Michelle noticed a woman near the front, sitting alone. — Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

nesting doll
nestle
nestler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nestle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nestle. Accessed 1 Nov. 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
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