snugly

Snugly is an English adverb meaning in a snug manner: tightly, securely, or cozily arranged. It is formed from the adjective snug plus the suffix -ly, and it describes how something fits, lies, or is fastened. The core sense is that there are no loose gaps and the arrangement feels comfortable or secure.

In usage, snugly describes both physical fit and wrapping or placement. Examples include a lid that closes snugly, a jacket pressed snugly against the body, or a kitten curled snugly in a blanket. It can also describe how tightly items are packed, as in the phrase the package was packed snugly.

The related adjective form snug conveys the quality of being tight-fitting or cozy, and snugness refers to the quality of being snug. A common informal variant, snuggly, exists as an adjective meaning cuddly or cozy, though it is often used in playful or child-friendly contexts.

Notes on usage: snugly tends to apply to how something is arranged or fitted, whereas snuggly as an adjective focuses on warmth or cuddliness. The word is widely understood in standard varieties of English and appears in both British and American usage.

See also: snug, snugness, snuggle.