swaddle Synonyms & Antonyms
Choose a meaning, then find a word that fits your sentence.
Swaddle as a Verb
To bind (a baby) with long narrow strips of cloth.
To beat; cudgel.
Swaddle as a Noun
Anything used to swaddle with, such as a cloth or band.
Word Forms & Grammar
swaddle (third-person singular simple present swaddles, present participle swaddling, simple past and past participle swaddled)
swaddle (plural swaddles)
Words That Rhyme With Swaddle
Origin of Swaddle
From Middle English swathlen (“to bind; swaddle”), from Middle English swathel, swethel, from Old English swaþul, swæþel, sweþel, sweoþol (“swaddling cloth”), equivalent to swathe (“to wrap with fabric”) + -le (agent/instrumental suffix), the word then underwent th-stopping (its voiced th became a d). Cognate with Middle Dutch swadel (“swaddling; bandage”), Old High German swedili (“poultice”), Old English sweþian, besweþian (“to wrap; swaddle”).
Swaddle at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈswɒdəl/ |
| Meaning | To bind (a baby) with long narrow strips of cloth |
| Plural | swaddles |
| Verb forms | swaddles, swaddling, swaddled |
Swaddle: Your Questions Answered
Is swaddle a verb or a noun?
Swaddle is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is the plural of swaddle?
The plural of swaddle is swaddles.
What is the past tense of swaddle?
The past tense of swaddle is swaddled. The present participle is swaddling.