den

¹ American  

[den] / dɛn /

noun

1. the lair or shelter of a wild animal, especially a predatory mammal.

2. a room, often secluded, in a house or apartment, designed to provide a quiet, comfortable, and informal atmosphere for conversation, reading, writing, etc.

3. a cave used as a place of shelter or concealment.

4. a squalid or vile abode or place.

   dens of misery.

5. one of the units of a cub scout pack, analogous to a patrol in the Boy Scouts.

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verb (used with object)

denned, denning

1. to drive or pursue (an animal) into its den.

2. to kill (an animal) inside its den.

verb (used without object)

denned, denning

1. to live in or as if in a den.

Den. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Denmark.

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den ¹ British  

/ dɛn /

noun

1. the habitat or retreat of a lion or similar wild animal; lair

2. a small or secluded room in a home, often used for carrying on a hobby

3. a squalid or wretched room or retreat

4. a site or haunt

   a den of vice

5. a small wooded valley; dingle

6. dialect a place of sanctuary in certain catching games; home or base

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verb

1. (intr) to live in or as if in a den

Den. ² British  

abbreviation

1. Denmark

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Etymology

Origin of den

before 1000; Middle English; Old English denn; compare early Dutch denne floor, cave, den, German Tenne floor

Example Sentences

Raising their beds off the ground can keep older dogs away from draughts, while cats may like playing or resting in high-up dens or on climbing posts.

From BBC

It was written by David Ireland and directed by Finn den Hertog, who also are both graduates of the BA Acting programme at RCS.

From BBC

And Achillia’s arc captures all that, dropping her into a den of desperate and egocentric men who, at best, want nothing to do with her.

From Salon

The mother bear was first captured as she emerged from her maternity den this spring.

From BBC

The pair, who have two young children, are set to rent a one-bedroom unit with a den.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cave
• hotbed
• nest
• sanctuary