noun
Uncommon
lair
LEH-uh
Lair (noun) means the den or hidden resting place of a wild animal. Example: “The hikers gave the bear's lair a wide berth.”
noun
1
The den or hidden resting place of a wild animal.
"The hikers gave the bear's lair a wide berth."
"Wolves had made their lair beneath the fallen tree."
2
A hidden base or retreat, especially one used by a villain in fiction.
"The spy finally tracked the criminal to his secret lair."
How to use lair
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hidden shelter, especially for an animal or a fictional villain.
Common pairings
a bear's lair
villain's lair
secret lair
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Word forms
- Plural
- lairs
- Third person singular
- lairs
- Past tense
- laired
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hikers gave the bear's _____ a wide berth.
Etymology
From Old English leger, meaning "bed" or "couch", related to the verb "lie" (to recline).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for lair
See all rhymes for lair →Frequently asked questions
What does “lair” mean?
The word “lair” means the den or hidden resting place of a wild animal. In plain terms, a hidden shelter, especially for an animal or a fictional villain.
How do you pronounce “lair”?
“Lair” is pronounced LEH-uh (/ˈlɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lair” in a sentence?
Here is “lair” used in a sentence: “The hikers gave the bear's lair a wide berth.”
What part of speech is “lair”?
“Lair” is a noun.
Where does the word “lair” come from?
The word “lair” comes from Old English. From Old English leger, meaning "bed" or "couch", related to the verb "lie" (to recline).
Is “lair” a common word?
“Lair” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lair” have?
“Lair” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the den or hidden resting place of a wild animal.
