WordGarden.ionest
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɛst/
US
- /ˈnɛst/
Meanings
Noun
a structure built by a bird to hold eggs and raise its young
a snug or secluded place used as a home or retreat
Verb
to build or live in a nest
to fit or place one thing closely inside another
Beyond the definition
A nest isn't just where birds raise their young; it's any sheltered or protected place. Squirrels build nests in trees, while we humans create nests of comfort in our homes with blankets and pillows. The word evokes a sense of safety, warmth, and family. You might say your favorite armchair is your "reading nest."
The idea of a "nest egg" refers to savings put aside for the future, symbolizing the security and preparation a nest provides. A nest can also be used figuratively for groups—a "nest of spies" or a "nest of vipers" suggests a hidden group with potentially dangerous intentions. You may also hear the phrase "stirring up a hornet's nest," which describes provoking a situation that leads to a lot of trouble.
Originally and most literally, a nest is the structure built by birds to lay their eggs and raise their young. It's carefully constructed from materials like twigs, leaves, mud, and feathers, providing essential shelter and protection. Think of a robin meticulously weaving grass into a cup-shaped home tucked safely within the branches of a tree.
However, "nest" extends far beyond avian architecture. We use it metaphorically to describe any cozy, sheltered place where someone feels secure. A pile of blankets on the couch can become a "reading nest," while a quiet corner of your room might be your personal "thinking nest." It suggests a retreat from the world—a dedicated place for rest and rejuvenation.
The concept also applies to groups and related ideas. A "nest of criminals" implies a hidden center of activity, and a "nest of vipers" suggests a dangerous group. The term is also used for objects: "nesting" describes things that fit neatly inside one another, such as nesting dolls or mixing bowls. The phrase "nest egg" refers to money saved over time, reflecting the bird's act of preparing a safe place for the future. Whether it's a woven home, a cozy corner, a set of bowls that fit together, or a stash of savings, "nest" consistently points to shelter, closeness, or something kept safely together.
Examples
- 1
Bird home
A robin built a nest under the roof.
- 2
Baby birds
The baby birds are still in the nest.
- 3
Independent living
After college, Maya finally left the nest and got her own apartment.
- Phraseleave the nest
leave your parents' home and start living independently
- 4
Cozy home
They made the small apartment into a warm little nest.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Savings
She has been putting money into a nest egg for emergencies.
- Phrasenest egg
money saved for the future
- 6
Stacking objects
The bowls nest inside one another, so they take up less space.
- 7
Interface design
The map uses nested menus, so some options are hard to find.
- 8
Online conflict
His careless comment stirred up a hornet's nest online.
- Phrasestir up a hornet's nest
cause a lot of anger or trouble
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nestnounverb
Forms
- nestspluralnounverb
- nesting-ing formverbnoun
- nestedpast tenseverbnoun