aerie

noun ae·rie \ˈer-ē, ˈir-, ˈā-(ə-)rē\

: the nest of a bird (such as an eagle or hawk) built high up on a cliff or on the top of a mountain

: a room or building built high up so that people inside can see things happening below them

Full Definition of AERIE

: the nest of a bird on a cliff or a mountaintop

obsolete : a brood of birds of prey

: an elevated often secluded dwelling, structure, or position

See aerie defined for English-language learners

See aerie defined for kids

ae·rie also aery \ˈer-ē, ˈir-, ˈā-(ə-)rē\

Medieval Latin aerea, from Old French aire, probably from Vulgar Latin *agrum origin, nest, lair, from Latin ager field — more at acre

First Known Use: 1554

Next Word in the Dictionary: aerificationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: AeridesAll Words Near: aerie

What made you want to look up aerie? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears