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.
Kansas City Royals infield coach Jose Alguacil took his perch — nestled beside club manager Matt Quatraro and pitching coach Brian Sweeney — along the front step of the dugout. — Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers took only a handful of questions from journalists at a news conference Thursday, just days after gangs attacked Kenscoff, a once-peaceful farming community nestled in the hills near Port-au-Prince. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 These small towns—whether lakeside retreats or artsy hamlets nestled into hills transformed by foliage—are the definition of autumn charm. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 Meta’s international headquarters are nestled in Dublin, about 125 miles from Strancally Castle. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 25 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

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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 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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