VocabDictionary

hugs

/hʌɡz/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Plural of hug; an act of holding someone or something tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection, comfort, or greeting.

Example Sentences:
  • “She gave her grandmother warm hugs before leaving for the airport.”
  • “The children exchanged big hugs after their long separation.”
2.verb

Third-person singular present of hug; to squeeze someone or something tightly in one's arms.

Example Sentences:
  • “He always hugs his dog when he gets home from work.”
  • “The winding road hugs the coastline for several miles.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “hugs”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originates from the mid-16th century, likely from the Old Norse 'hugga', meaning to comfort or console. It is related to the Middle English 'huggen', which originally meant to embrace tightly or to hold closely, often implying a sense of protection or affection.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

HUGS: 'Hold U Gently, Sweetheart'.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “hugs”

1. What is the meaning of “hugs” in English?

In English, hugs (noun) is defined as: “Plural of hug; an act of holding someone or something tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection, comfort, or greeting.”.

2. How do you use “hugs” in a sentence?

“She gave her grandmother warm hugs before leaving for the airport.”

3. What are English synonyms of “hugs”?

Common synonyms include:embraces,cuddles,squeezes,clasps

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “hugs”?

Originates from the mid-16th century, likely from the Old Norse 'hugga', meaning to comfort or console. It is related to the Middle English 'huggen', which originally meant to embrace tightly or to hold closely, often implying a sense of protection or affection.