canoodle

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To caress, fondle, or pet (someone); also, to have sexual intercourse with (someone); to make love with.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

He’s got a big smile on his face—who’s he been canoodling recently?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To cajole or persuade (someone).

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of a person: to caress, fondle, or pet another person; of two people: to caress, fondle, or pet each other; also, to have sexual intercourse; to make love.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “canoodle” mean?

To caress, fondle, or pet (someone); also, to have sexual intercourse with (someone); to make love with.

Is “canoodle” formal or informal?

canoodle is generally slang.