noun Common

nest

nehst

Nest (noun) means a structure built by a bird (or other animal) to hold eggs and raise young. Example: “A robin built her nest right above our front door.”

noun

A structure built by a bird (or other animal) to hold eggs and raise young.

"A robin built her nest right above our front door."

"The eagle's nest sat high atop a cliff."

A cozy or secure home, or a hidden base for something (often negative), such as a gang's hideout.

"The old cabin became their nest for the winter."

"Police raided the building, calling it a nest of criminal activity."

verb

To build or settle into a nest, or to fit smaller things inside larger ones.

"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 notes

In 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

Word forms

nested past tense, nests plural, Nests plural, nests singular

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A robin built her _____ right above our front door.

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."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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roost den lair burrow hideout retreat

Related words

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Rhymes for nest

est west test jest best pest rest vest zest fest lest chest

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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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