First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1nest
noun \ˈnest\
: the place where a bird lays its eggs and takes care of its young
: a place where an animal or insect lives and usually lays eggs or takes care of its young
: a home where people live
Full Definition of NEST
1
a : a bed or receptacle prepared by an animal and especially a bird for its eggs and young b : a place or specially modified structure serving as an abode of animals and especially of their immature stages <an ants' nest> c : a receptacle resembling a bird's nest
2
3
: the occupants or frequenters of a nest
4
a : a group of similar things <a nest of giant mountains — Helen MacInnes> b : hotbed 2 <a nest of rebellion>
5
: a group of objects made to fit close together or one within another
6
: an emplaced group of weapons
See nest defined for English-language learners
See nest defined for kids
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Origin of NEST
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German nest nest, Latin nidus
2nest
verb
: to build or live in a nest
: to fit inside each other
Full Definition of NEST
intransitive verb
1
: to build or occupy a nest : settle in or as if in a nest
2
: to fit compactly together or within one another : embed
transitive verb
1
: to form a nest for
2
: to pack compactly together
3
: to form a hierarchy, series, or sequence of with each member, element, or set contained in or containing the next <nested subroutines>
See nest defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NEST
13th century
NEST Defined for Kids
1nest
noun \ˈnest\
Definition of NEST for Kids
1
: a shelter made by an animal and especially a bird for its eggs and young
2
: a place where some animals live and usually lay eggs <a termite's nest>
3
: a cozy place : home
4
: those living in a nest <a nest of robins>
2nest
verb
nest·ednest·ing
Definition of NEST for Kids
: to build or live in a nest <nesting birds>
Medical Dictionary
nest
noun \ˈnest\
Medical Definition of NEST
: an isolated collection or clump of cells in tissue of a different structure <a nest of sarcomatous cells>
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