: a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable
During the long, dark winters when Danes retreat inside their homes, hygge is what brings them a great sense of comfort and joy.—
Mary Holland
Mary Holland"I believe now—in the midst of this pandemic—is the perfect time for people to embody hygge by focusing on the present moment, spending quality time with people who make them happy, and ultimately finding peace," [Christine] Christensen said in an email.—Courtney Kueppers
Courtney KueppersAnd after the recent trend of cozy, comforting hygge, there's another Scandinavian state of mind to embrace.—Leanne Italie
Leanne Italie
: invoking or fostering a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being
… a hygge Christmas dinner setting needs only essential tableware, beloved family ornaments and a few tasteful sprigs of greenery.—Francesca Brown
Francesca BrownTo live the hygge way, focus on friendship, wholesomeness, and happiness.—Hannah Bruneman
Hannah Bruneman"… people are at home all the time. People will realize cozy is better than stark. It's all about the hygge trend."—Jonathan Adler
Jonathan AdlerExamples of hygge in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
No amount of hygge can ease working outside at nearly 3000 meters’ altitude and temperatures between –20°C and –30°C.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 6 Feb. 2025
Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
While hygge mostly refers to lifestyle and decor, mys focuses more on the experience of feeling cozy.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hygge
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Noun
Although followers of hygge have long been aware of the connection, those outside of Denmark are increasingly realizing that light can greatly impact our mood and overall mental health.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
No amount of hygge can ease working outside at nearly 3000 meters’ altitude and temperatures between –20°C and –30°C.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Creating a hygge lighting scheme Hygge light is warm, comfortable, and similar to that emitted by candles (a staple of hygge interiors).
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
While hygge mostly refers to lifestyle and decor, mys focuses more on the experience of feeling cozy.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hygge
Cite this Entry
“Hygge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hygge. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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