den
Den (noun) means a wild animal's shelter, such as a cave or burrow. Example: “The fox retreated to its den at the first sign of danger.”
How to Use Den
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shelter for an animal, or a cozy home room, or (figuratively) a hangout for shady dealings.
Word Forms
denned past tense, dens plural, dens singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fox retreated to its _____ at the first sign of danger.
Etymology
From Old English denn, "lair of a beast," related to a Proto-West Germanic word for a threshing floor or pasture.
Related Words
Rhymes for den
See all rhymes for den →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “den” mean?
The word “den” means a wild animal's shelter, such as a cave or burrow. In plain terms, a shelter for an animal, or a cozy home room, or (figuratively) a hangout for shady dealings.
How do you pronounce “den”?
“Den” is pronounced DEHN (/ˈdɛn/ in IPA).
How do you use “den” in a sentence?
Here is “den” used in a sentence: “The fox retreated to its den at the first sign of danger.”
What part of speech is “den”?
“Den” is a noun.
Where does the word “den” come from?
The word “den” comes from Old English. From Old English denn, "lair of a beast," related to a Proto-West Germanic word for a threshing floor or pasture.
Is “den” a common word?
“Den” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “den” have?
“Den” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wild animal's shelter, such as a cave or burrow.
What is the difference between a den and a living room?
A den is a small, cozy room used for relaxing informally, while a living room is usually the larger space where guests are entertained. Many households use the den for reading, watching television, or working, and keep the living room for more formal occasions.
What is the difference between a den and a lair?
Both words describe a wild animal's shelter, such as a cave or burrow, but lair carries a more sinister tone and is the usual word for a villain's hideout in fiction. Den is the neutral, everyday term and appears in set phrases like "bear den" and "the lion's den."
Which animals live in a den?
A den is a wild animal's shelter, typically a cave, burrow, or similar protected spot. English speakers use the word most often for animals such as bears, foxes, wolves, and lions, as in "a fox's den."