swaddle

verb

swad·​dle ˈswä-dᵊl How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
swaddled; swaddling
ˈswäd-liŋ,
ˈswä-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce swaddle (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to wrap (an infant) with swaddling clothes
b
: envelop, swathe
legs swaddled in bandages
2
: restrain, restrict
marriage … swaddled him in a domesticity he came to loatheNina Auerbach

Examples of swaddle in a Sentence

He swaddled the baby in a blanket.
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.
Every community has its informal imports, lovingly swaddled in socks and ziplocks, and made to last until the next trip to the motherland. Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 In one photo with Hailey, 28, and Jack, the doting dad appeared to make sure the face of his newborn boy, who was swaddled in a lime green onesie, wasn't visible. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 The cozy interior is swaddled in leather and burl wood, and rear-seat passengers even got elegant picnic tables that folded down from the front seatbacks. Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025 Their baby daughter is swaddled in white and wearing a headband adorned with jeweled flowers. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for swaddle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English swadelen, swathelen, probably alteration of swedelen, swethelen, from swethel swaddling band, from Old English; akin to Old English swathian to swathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of swaddle was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swaddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swaddle. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

swaddle

verb
swad·​dle ˈswäd-ᵊl How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
swaddled; swaddling ˈswäd-liŋ How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: to wrap an infant with swaddling clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on swaddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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