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.
Next, Kat nestles a plastic headpiece shaped like a bighorn sheep rack onto me. Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 In the quiet village of Mount Prospect, nestled just northwest of Chicago’s city limits, residents were sheltering from the cold and rain on a sleepy Sunday afternoon watching TV, scrolling through social media and enjoying midday coffee at home. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 InterContinental has just opened the doors of its new hotel nestled with Ha Long Bay, known for its stunning emerald waters and towering limestone islands that make for a gorgeous backdrop for any adventure. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025 The eatery, nestled on Main Street in downtown Pineville, will take over the former Tega Cay Shore Club spot on Molokai Drive, according to a news release sent to CharlotteFive. Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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