Spooning is a form of cuddling where two people lie on their sides facing the same direction, with one person's back pressed against the other's front, resembling the way spoons nest together in a drawer

. In this position, the person on the outside is called the "big spoon," and the person inside is the "little spoon," though these roles can switch regardless of height or gender

. Spooning serves both as a comforting, intimate gesture and can also be a sexual position involving rear-entry penetration, making it versatile for both platonic and romantic contexts

. It promotes physical closeness and emotional bonding, partly due to the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which can reduce stress and enhance well-being

. While spooning is a specific type of cuddling, cuddling itself is a broader category of affectionate touch that doesn't necessarily involve the spooning position

. Communication and consent are important when spooning, especially if it occurs outside of a romantic relationship, to ensure mutual comfort

. In summary, spooning means lying side-by-side in a close embrace with one person's front against the other's back, fostering intimacy and comfort between the participants