nestler

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

nes•tle /ˈnɛsəl/   v., -tled, -tling. 

1. to lie close and snug;
   snuggle;
   cuddle: [no object]
   They were nestling in bed.
   [~ + object]
   She nestled herself in the chair.
2. to be located in a sheltered spot:
   [no object] a cottage nestling in a grove of leafy trees.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

nes•tle  (nes′əl), v., -tled, -tling. 
v.i. 

1. to lie close and snug, like a bird in a nest;
   snuggle or cuddle.
2. to lie or be located in a sheltered spot;
   be naturally or pleasantly situated:
   a cottage nestling in a pine grove.
3. [Archaic.]
   • to make or have a nest.
   • to make one's home;
     settle in a home.

v.t. 

4. to settle or ensconce snugly:
   He nestled himself into the hay for a short nap.
5. to put or press confidingly or affectionately:
   She nestled her head on his shoulder.
6. to provide with or settle in a nest, as a bird.

• Middle English nestlen, Old English nestlian, cognate with Dutch nestelen. See nest, -le bef. 1000

nes′tler, n.