Meaning of nest in English

Table of contents

Verb
nest
Definitions
1. inhabit a nest, usually after building
Examples
- « birds are nesting outside my window every Spring »
Derived terms
- nester
2. fit together or fit inside
Examples
- « nested bowls »
Derived terms
- nester
3. move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
Examples
- « We cuddled against each other to keep warm »
- « The children snuggled into their sleeping bags »
Derived terms
4. gather nests
Derived terms
- nester
Noun
nest
Etymology
Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Latin nidus, from the Indo-European bases of nether (meaning ‘down’) and sit
Definitions
1. a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
2. a kind of gun emplacement
Examples
- « a machine-gun nest »
- « a nest of snipers »
3. a cosy or secluded retreat
4. a gang of people (criminals or spies or terrorists) assembled in one locality
Examples
- « a nest of thieves »
5. furniture pieces made to fit close together

Famous quotes

« Life is the most exciting opportunity we have. But we have one shot. You graduate from college once, and that's it. You're going out of that nest. And you have to find that courage that's deep, deep, deep in there. Every step of the way. »
Andrew Shue
« Success is full of promise till one gets it, and then it seems like a nest from which the bird has flown. »
Henry Ward Beecher
« I'm such a girl for the living room. I really like to stay in my nest and not move. I travel in my mind, and that that's a rigorous state of journeying for me. My body isn't that interested in moving from place to place. »
Bell Hooks
« I'm very concerned for the future of the earth and its amazing creatures. We've got to be careful and make sure we don't foul our own nest. »
John Lithgow
« He that loves not his wife and children feeds a lioness at home, and broods a nest of sorrows. »
Jeremy Taylor