nestle

verb

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

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 bedsClement Moore
2
: to press closely and affectionately
nestles a kitten in her arms
nestler noun

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.
From $1,345 per night Rio Palena Lodge Chile Part of the luxury collective Eleven, this remote seven-room lodge is nestled on 30 acres of riverfront in the Los Lagos region. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2025 Rima, a Mediterranean grill nestled within the resort's treetops, offers succulent steaks and creative fare, including pastas and salads, complemented by a fine selection of wines and cocktails. Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 For over two decades, Jen and Richard Arkell have owned and operated the Ashes, a quaint guest house nestled along the wooded banks of the River Tees in northeastern England. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 On the par-4 17th, Rose’s drive found the pine straw on the right-hand side of the fairway, nestling directly behind two Georgia pines, about 8 yards apart. Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nestle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nestle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on nestle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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