Nest meaning

What does “nest” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“nest” is a noun and verb with 9 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young.

nest

noun

  1. a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

  2. a kind of gun emplacement

    “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

    “a nest of thieves”

  5. furniture pieces made to fit close together

verb

  1. inhabit a nest, usually after building

    “birds are nesting outside my window every Spring”

  2. fit together or fit inside

    “nested bowls”

  3. move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position

    “We cuddled against each other to keep warm”

    “The children snuggled into their sleeping bags”

  4. gather nests

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University