nest
10 synonyms for nest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A structure built by a bird (or other animal) to hold eggs and raise young.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A structure built by a bird (or other animal) to hold eggs and raise young.
“Swallows return each spring to repair their mud nest under the bridge.”
How to use nest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
build a nest
empty nest
nest egg
nest of tables
Etymology
From Old English nest, ultimately from a very old root meaning "where a bird sits down" — literally combining words for "down" and "to sit."
Full origin of nest →Frequently asked questions
What does “nest” mean?
The word “nest” means a structure built by a bird (or other animal) to hold eggs and raise young. In plain terms, a home built by an animal for its young, or by extension, a snug home or hidden hideout.
How do you pronounce “nest”?
“Nest” is pronounced nehst (/nɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “nest” in a sentence?
Here is “nest” used in a sentence: “A robin built her nest right above our front door.”
What part of speech is “nest”?
Depending on how it is used, “nest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “nest” come from?
The word “nest” comes from Old English. From Old English nest, ultimately from a very old root meaning "where a bird sits down" — literally combining words for "down" and "to sit.".
Is “nest” a common word?
“Nest” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nest” have?
“Nest” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure built by a bird (or other animal) to hold eggs and raise young.
What is the difference between a nest and a den?
A nest is a structure an animal builds — most typically a bird — to hold its eggs and raise its young. A den is the resting place of a wild mammal such as a fox or bear, and it is usually a natural shelter like a burrow, cave, or hollow rather than a built structure.
