huddle
UK: ˈhʌd(ə)l | US: ˈhəd(ə)l
vi. to crowd or press together closely
vt. to gather or curl (oneself) into a compact group
n. a tightly packed group of people or things
n. (sports) a brief gathering of players to discuss strategy
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The word "huddle" likely emerged in Middle English (16th century) as an expressive verb imitating the action of crowding together. The root hudd may derive from Low German hudern (to cover) or Old English hydan (to hide), reflecting the sense of protective clustering. The -le suffix suggests repeated or habitual action, reinforcing the image of people/animals pressing close for warmth or secrecy. Its sports usage (late 19th c.) extends this logic to strategic gatherings.
Sheep huddle together during storms for warmth.
The children huddled under the blanket during the scary movie.
The quarterback called the team to huddle before the final play.
A huddle of journalists waited outside the courthouse.
She huddled her knees to her chest on the cold bench.