NEST Meaning and
Definition
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Nest, as a noun, refers to a carefully constructed dwelling or shelter used by certain species of birds, insects, and other small animals for them to lay eggs, nurture their young, or seek refuge. It is typically composed of twigs, leaves, grass, mud, or other materials found in their natural surroundings. Nests are usually situated in trees, shrubs, cliffs, or on the ground, each tailored to suit the specific requirements and habits of the species. They are often structured with compartments or divisions to facilitate the separation of eggs, nestlings, or different activities.
As a verb, "nest" describes the action of building or settling within a nest. It refers to how animals, particularly birds, engage in the process of assembling and organizing materials to create their nests. Nests are meticulously crafted with an intricate design that ensures stability, safety, and comfort for the inhabitants.
Moreover, the term "nest" is metaphorically used to refer to a cozy, secure place or home where humans or animals feel safe, comfortable, and protected. It symbolizes a place of warmth, peace, and emotional well-being.
In summary, the dictionary definition of "nest" encompasses both a physical structure used by certain animals for breeding and nesting purposes as well as a metaphorical representation of a secure and comforting home.
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A structure having a fancied resemblance to a bird's nest; see nidus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• To build and occupy a nest.
• The bed or dwelling prepared by a bird for incubation, and for its young till able to fly; any place where Insects or small animals are produced; a warm, close place of abode; a number of persons dwelling together, in an ill sense, as a nest of thieves; a number of boxes or baskets placed one within the other; a set of small drawers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for NEST *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for NEST
Etymology of NEST
The word "nest" has its origins in Old English and can be traced back to the word "nest" or "nes", which is related to the Old High German word "nest". These words ultimately derive from the Proto-Germanic word "nista", meaning "a place where birds lay eggs". The term "nest" has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning and form throughout history.
Idioms with the word NEST
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hornet's nest
The idiom "hornet's nest" refers to a situation or issue that is extremely difficult, controversial, or dangerous, and can potentially cause trouble or provoke strong reactions from people involved. It implies that meddling or interfering in such a situation can result in a swarm of negative consequences.
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empty nest
The idiom "empty nest" refers to a phase in one's life when their children have grown up and moved out of their home, leaving the parents with an "empty nest." It symbolizes the transition from a busy, active household full of children to a quieter, more subdued environment.
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foul one's own nest
The idiom "foul one's own nest" means to harm or damage one's own reputation, relationships, or self-interest through one's own actions or behavior. It refers to the act of sabotaging or undermining one's own situation or environment.
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fly/leave the nest
The idiom "fly/leave the nest" refers to when someone, typically a young person, becomes independent and self-reliant, usually by moving away from their family home or parental guidance. It signifies the transition from being dependent on others to taking charge of one's own life and responsibilities.
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stir up a hornet’s nest
The idiom "stir up a hornet's nest" means to cause or provoke a highly volatile or troublesome situation by taking provocative actions or making controversial statements. It alludes to the image of disturbing a nest of highly aggressive hornets, which will then swarm and attack.
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stir up a hornet's nest
The idiom "stir up a hornet's nest" means to provoke or cause trouble or controversy by interfering in a situation or by doing or saying something that upsets others. It refers to the consequences that can arise when one disturbs a group of angry or aggressive individuals, analogously to agitating a nest of hornets and facing their stinging retaliation.
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a mare's nest
The idiom "a mare's nest" refers to a situation that appears to be promising, exciting, or important, but ultimately turns out to be illusory, complex, or chaotic. It conveys the idea of a false discovery or a misleading appearance of something valuable or substantial.
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fly the nest
The idiom "fly the nest" is a figurative expression that refers to when someone leaves their home or family for the first time, typically to become more independent and self-sufficient. It commonly describes young adults moving out of their parents' house to start living on their own.
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feather one's nest
The idiom "feather one's nest" refers to the act of accumulating wealth, resources, or benefits for oneself, typically by taking advantage of a particular situation or using deceitful or opportunistic tactics. It often implies the act of enriching oneself at the expense of others or through unethical means.
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feather one's (own) nest
The idiom "feather one's (own) nest" refers to the act of creating or securing advantages or benefits for oneself, especially through underhanded or selfish means. It implies taking actions solely for personal gain or profit, usually without consideration for others or ethical principles.
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feather your own nest
The idiom "feather your own nest" means to take actions or make decisions for personal gain or benefits, often at the expense of others or in a self-serving manner. It refers to someone looking out primarily for their own interests and focusing on accumulating wealth or advantages for themselves.
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a cuckoo in the nest
The idiom "a cuckoo in the nest" refers to a person or thing that does not belong or is out of place in a particular situation or group, much like a cuckoo bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, tricking them into raising its young. It suggests something or someone that is unfamiliar or incongruent with their surroundings.
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nest in sth
The idiom "nest in something" refers to the act of finding comfort, security, or a sense of belonging in a particular place, situation, or activity. It suggests that someone is settled or content in that specific environment or circumstance.
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love nest
The idiom "love nest" refers to a place or location where a couple resides, spends romantic time together, or engages in intimate activities. It symbolizes a cozy, private, or secluded space where romantic relationships flourish.
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foul your own nest
The idiom "foul your own nest" means to engage in actions that harm oneself, particularly by damaging one's own reputation, relationships, or environment. It refers to behaving in a manner that undermines one's own well-being or interests. The phrase is often used to advise against detrimental behaviors that may lead to negative consequences for oneself or one's own community.
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empty nest syndrome
Empty nest syndrome refers to a feeling of sadness, loneliness, or loss experienced by parents when their children leave home to live on their own, typically after reaching adulthood or attending college. It symbolizes the empty and quiet home that parents are left with once their children have moved out, often leading to a period of adjustment and mixed emotions.
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stir up a hornets' nest
The idiom "stir up a hornets' nest" means to intentionally provoke or cause trouble or a problematic situation, which may result in a strong and hostile reaction from others.
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a love nest
The idiom "a love nest" refers to a private and romantic place where a couple can spend time together in intimacy and seclusion, away from the outside world. It often implies a place where partners can freely express their love and affection for each other.
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leave the nest
The idiom "leave the nest" refers to the act of a person, typically a young adult, moving out from their family home or leaving their comfortable and familiar surroundings to become more independent and self-reliant. It can also denote the process of gaining maturity and facing life's challenges outside the protective environment of one's family.
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feather your nest
The idiom "feather your nest" means to accumulate wealth or resources for one's own benefit or comfort, often through devious or dishonest means. It implies the act of making oneself financially secure and comfortable, often at the expense of others.
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a hornets' nest
The idiom "a hornets' nest" refers to a situation or issue that is highly controversial, contentious, or dangerous. It implies that once this situation is disturbed or meddled with, it will quickly become chaotic and potentially violent, just like when a hornets' nest is disturbed and the stinging insects become aggressive.
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cuckoo in the nest
The idiom "cuckoo in the nest" refers to a situation where someone or something is an intruder or outsider within a particular group or setting. It signifies a person or object that does not belong or fit in with the others, often causing disruption or inconsistency. The idiom is derived from cuckoo birds, which lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving them to raise the newly hatched cuckoo chicks.
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the empty nest
The idiom "the empty nest" refers to a stage in a family's life when the children have grown up and left home, leaving the parents with no dependents or children living with them anymore. It symbolizes the feeling of loneliness or loss experienced by parents when their children no longer reside in the family home.
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foul one's nest
The idiom "foul one's nest" means to harm or damage one's own reputation, interests, or living situation through one's own actions or behavior. It is often used to describe individuals who engage in self-destructive behavior or act in a way that negatively affects their own personal or professional life.
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nest egg
The idiom "nest egg" refers to a sum of money or savings that has been set aside for future use or as a contingency fund. It is often used to describe funds specifically reserved for retirement, investment purposes, or any other long-term financial goals. The term "nest egg" alludes to the concept of a bird gathering and protecting eggs in its nest until they hatch, symbolizing the idea of preserving and growing one's savings for future needs or aspirations.
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nest together
The idiom "nest together" refers to the act of living together harmoniously, particularly in a close-knit or intimate relationship. It implies a sense of comfort, unity, and interdependence between individuals or groups, similar to the way birds nest together to create a safe and supportive environment.
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a nest egg
The idiom "a nest egg" refers to a sum of money or savings that has been set aside or accumulated for a particular purpose, often for future use or as a financial safety net. It is symbolic of financial security and preparedness.
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feather nest
The idiom "feather nest" typically refers to someone creating a comfortable and secure living environment, often through dishonest or corrupt means, usually for personal gain or advantage. It implies someone profiting off others or taking advantage of their position or power to ensure personal comfort and luxury.
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a hornet's nest
The idiom "a hornet's nest" refers to a situation or problem that is extremely difficult, dangerous, or controversial. It implies that interfering or involving oneself in such a situation can lead to severe and potentially harmful consequences.
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It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
The idiom "It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest" means that it is foolish or self-destructive to harm or bring disgrace upon oneself, one's own family, or one's own community. It suggests that one should avoid actions that have negative consequences for oneself or one's own group.
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hurrah's nest
A messy or disorganized place or situation, often used to describe a cluttered or chaotic living space.
Similar spelling words for NEST
Conjugate verb Nest
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have nested
you
would have nested
he/she/it
would have nested
we
would have nested
they
would have nested
I
would have nest
you
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he/she/it
would have nest
we
would have nest
they
would have nest
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been nesting
you
would have been nesting
he/she/it
would have been nesting
we
would have been nesting
they
would have been nesting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would nest
you
would nest
he/she/it
would nest
we
would nest
they
would nest
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be nesting
you
would be nesting
he/she/it
would be nesting
we
would be nesting
they
would be nesting
FUTURE
I
will nest
you
will nest
he/she/it
will nest
we
will nest
they
will nest
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be nesting
you
will be nesting
he/she/it
will be nesting
we
will be nesting
they
will be nesting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have nested
you
will have nested
he/she/it
will have nested
we
will have nested
they
will have nested
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been nesting
you
will have been nesting
he/she/it
will have been nesting
we
will have been nesting
they
will have been nesting
IMPERATIVE
you
nest
we
let´s nest
to nest
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was nesting
you
were nesting
he/she/it
was nesting
we
were nesting
they
were nesting
PAST PARTICIPLE
nested
PAST PERFECT
I
had nested
you
had nested
he/she/it
had nested
we
had nested
they
had nested
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been nesting
you
had been nesting
he/she/it
had been nesting
we
had been nesting
they
had been nesting
PRESENT
I
nest
you
nest
he/she/it
nests
we
nest
they
nest
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am nesting
you
are nesting
he/she/it
is nesting
we
are nesting
they
are nesting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
nesting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have nested
you
have nested
he/she/it
has nested
we
have nested
they
have nested
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been nesting
you
have been nesting
he/she/it
has been nesting
we
have been nesting
they
have been nesting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
nest
SIMPLE PAST
I
nested
you
nested
he/she/it
nested
we
nested
they
nested
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