noun
nest
nehst
noun
1
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."
2
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
1
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 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
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."