swaddle

verb

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

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 Reviewers can’t stop gushing over the supportive footwear, as each shoe is crafted with a waterproof and breathable material that’ll swaddle your feet in comfort while keeping them cool and dry during hot temps. Rylee Johnston, Billboard, 1 July 2024 Despite some gibberish preceding actual language, a baby's earliest attempts at verbal communication and their first words are often documented and remembered by mom or dad long after the baby clothes and swaddling blankets get stored away. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2024 Hands-on activities gave students an opportunity to learn skills such as how to tie a tourniquet, locate veins with straws, change and swaddle a baby, utilize infection control procedures, properly use personal protective equipment and stop bleeding. Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2024 Further shots showed Katelyn smiling down at their little one, who was swaddled in a hospital blanket, and a close-up black-and-white snap of Krewe's feet. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for swaddle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swaddle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near swaddle

Cite this Entry

“Swaddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swaddle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

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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