noun
Common
warren
WO-ruhn
Warren (noun) means a network of interconnecting burrows where rabbits live. Example: “The rabbits disappeared into their warren as soon as they heard footsteps.”
noun
1
A network of interconnecting burrows where rabbits live.
"The rabbits disappeared into their warren as soon as they heard footsteps."
"A fox was digging near the entrance to the warren on the hillside."
"The field was riddled with an old rabbit warren."
2
A confusing, maze-like place with many narrow passages or rooms, often crowded.
"The office building was a warren of tiny rooms, and I got lost twice."
"Their little flat felt like a warren, with stairs and corridors in every direction."
"The old quarter of the city was a warren of narrow alleyways."
How to use warren
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rabbit's burrow system, or, figuratively, a confusing maze of narrow streets or passages.
Common pairings
rabbit warren
a warren of streets
warren of tunnels
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Word forms
- Plural
- warrens
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The rabbits disappeared into their _____ as soon as they heard footsteps.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman warenne, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to guard" or "protect" — originally referring to land set aside and protected for keeping game like rabbits.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for warren
See all rhymes for warren →Frequently asked questions
What does “warren” mean?
The word “warren” means a network of interconnecting burrows where rabbits live. In plain terms, a rabbit's burrow system, or, figuratively, a confusing maze of narrow streets or passages.
How do you pronounce “warren”?
“Warren” is pronounced WO-ruhn (/ˈwɔɹən/ in IPA).
How do you use “warren” in a sentence?
Here is “warren” used in a sentence: “The field was riddled with an old rabbit warren.”
What part of speech is “warren”?
“Warren” is a noun.
Where does the word “warren” come from?
The word “warren” comes from Germanic. From Anglo-Norman warenne, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to guard" or "protect" — originally referring to land set aside and protected for keeping game like rabbits.
Is “warren” a common word?
“Warren” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “warren” have?
“Warren” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a network of interconnecting burrows where rabbits live.
What is the difference between a "warren" and a "burrow"?
A burrow is a single hole or tunnel dug by an animal, whereas a warren is a whole network of interconnecting burrows where rabbits live. In short, a warren is made up of many connected burrows.
What is a "rabbit warren"?
A rabbit warren is the underground network of connected burrows where a group of rabbits lives and shelters. The phrase is also used figuratively for any cramped, complicated layout that is hard to navigate.
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