C1noun2K

Nest

UK /["/nest/"]/US /["/nest/"]/

Definition

a hollow place or structure that a bird makes or chooses for laying its eggs in and sheltering its young

In simple words: A structure made by birds to hold their eggs and babies.

Examples

  • The bird carefully built its nest in the tall tree.
  • We found a nest of baby rabbits hidden under the bushes.
  • The wasps constructed a nest on the side of the house.
  • The company is located in a nest of startups in Silicon Valley.
  • This urban nest has become a hub for innovative tech firms.
  • He found a nest of vipers under the rock while hiking.

Usage notes

Commonly used to describe where birds live or lay eggs. Can also be used metaphorically for safety or comfort. It is not typically used in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

nest + object

Memory hint

Think of a bird's 'nest' — imagine a tree filled with cozy nests.

Collocations

  • ant’s
  • bird’s
  • wasp’s
  • build
  • construct
  • make
  • site
  • hole
  • box
  • away from a/​the nest
  • in a/​the nest
  • inside a/​the nest
  • ant’s
  • bird’s
  • wasp’s
  • build
  • construct
  • make
  • site
  • hole
  • box
  • away from a/​the nest
  • in a/​the nest
  • inside a/​the nest

Synonyms

  • lair
  • den
  • roost
  • habitat

Antonyms

  • dismantle
  • scatter

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'rest' - thinking they have similar meanings.
  • Using 'nest' as a verb in the wrong context - it's mainly used as a noun in everyday conversation.
  • Assuming all animals 'nest' - only specific animals do.