noun
Common
nest
nehst
Nest (noun) means a structure built by a bird (or other animal) to hold eggs and raise young. Example: “Swallows return each spring to repair their mud nest under the bridge.”
noun
1
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."
"A robin built her nest right above our front door."
"The eagle's nest sat high atop a cliff."
2
A cozy or secure home, or a hidden base for something (often negative), such as a gang's hideout.
"After years of travelling, she was glad to be back in her own warm little nest."
"The old cabin became their nest for the winter."
"Police raided the building, calling it a nest of criminal activity."
verb
1
To build or settle into a nest, or to fit smaller things inside larger ones.
"Several stackable chairs nest together, so they take up very little space."
"The birds nested in the eaves of the barn."
"The mixing bowls nest neatly inside each other for storage."
How to use nest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA home built by an animal for its young, or by extension, a snug home or hidden hideout.
Common pairings
build a nest
empty nest
nest egg
nest of tables
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Word forms
- Plural
- nests
- Third person singular
- nests
- Past tense
- nested
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Swallows return each spring to repair their mud _____ under the bridge.
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."
Related words
Rhymes for nest
See all rhymes for 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.
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