nest

[nest]

nest Definition

  • 1a structure or place made or chosen by a bird for laying eggs and sheltering its young
  • 2a place where an animal or insect breeds or shelters
  • 3a snug or secluded retreat or refuge

Using nest: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The mother bird built a nest in the tree outside my window.

  • Example

    The wasp nest in the attic needs to be removed.

  • Example

    The cozy cabin in the woods was our nest for the weekend.

nest Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for nest

Phrases with nest

  • empty nest

    a household in which the children have grown up and left home

    Example

    After her youngest child went off to college, Jane experienced the empty nest syndrome.

  • feather one's nest

    to enrich oneself by taking advantage of one's position or resources

    Example

    The corrupt politician used his power to feather his own nest, rather than serving the people he was elected to represent.

  • a sum of money saved for the future

    Example

    She's been putting aside a portion of her paycheck each month to build up a nest egg for retirement.

Origins of nest

from Old English 'nest', meaning 'bird's nest'

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Summary: nest in Brief

A 'nest' [nest] is a structure or place where birds lay eggs and shelter their young. It can also refer to a place where animals or insects breed or shelter, or a cozy retreat for humans. Examples include 'The mother bird built a nest in the tree outside my window,' and 'The cozy cabin in the woods was our nest for the weekend.' Phrases like 'empty nest' describe a household without children, while 'feather one's nest' means to enrich oneself through one's resources.

How do native speakers use this expression?