Cwtch
noun / verb /kʊtʃ/ — Welsh: a hug, a cuddle, or a small safe sheltered space.
Definition
Both a verb and a noun: to cwtch is to hug or snuggle; a cwtch is also a small alcove or hidey-hole — a place of safety. The word carries both meanings because both are essentially the same: being held, being contained, being safe.
Beyond the definition
The Welsh understand something English doesn't quite capture: that being held and having a safe place are the same feeling. A cwtch is love made physical — not grand or dramatic, but warm and specific and enough.
Origin & history
Welsh, from medieval English 'couch' (to hide away). The dual meaning — embrace and safe space — is uniquely Welsh.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She gave him a long cwtch before he left for the airport.
The under-stairs cwtch was where she kept her oldest, most important things.
Sometimes all you need is someone to cwtch you.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Cwtch” when the meaning fits your context: Both a verb and a noun: to cwtch is to hug or snuggle; a cwtch is also a small alcove or hidey-hole — a place of safety. The word carries both meanings because both are essentially the same: being held, being contained, being safe.
Synonyms
cuddle, hug, embrace, sanctuary, safe place
Antonyms
coldness, exposure
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Cwtch" mean?
Cwtch is noun / verb meaning: Welsh: a hug, a cuddle, or a small safe sheltered space.. Both a verb and a noun: to cwtch is to hug or snuggle; a cwtch is also a small alcove or hidey-hole — a place of safety. The word carries both meanings because both are essentially the same: being held, being contained, being safe.
Where does the word "Cwtch" come from?
Welsh, from medieval English 'couch' (to hide away). The dual meaning — embrace and safe space — is uniquely Welsh.