the lair or shelter of a wild animal, especially a predatory mammal.
a room, often secluded, in a house or apartment, designed to provide a quiet, comfortable, and informal atmosphere for conversation, reading, writing, etc.
a cave used as a place of shelter or concealment.
a squalid or vile abode or place.
dens of misery.
one of the units of a cub scout pack, analogous to a patrol in the Boy Scouts.
to drive or pursue (an animal) into its den.
to kill (an animal) inside its den.
the habitat or retreat of a lion or similar wild animal; lair
a small or secluded room in a home, often used for carrying on a hobby
a squalid or wretched room or retreat
a site or haunt
a den of vice
a small wooded valley; dingle
dialect a place of sanctuary in certain catching games; home or base
before 1000; Middle English; Old English denn; compare early Dutch denne floor, cave, den, German Tenne floor
Where’s the one place that bears go to hibernate and you go to watch the big game? It’s the den, a secluded room or shelter. Den is an Old English word meaning “shelter for a wild animal.” While we still use it in this sense, the word has taken on some additional meanings. For example, den can refer to a room that's used primarily for relaxing, watching television, and socializing with friends. (If your friends tend to act wild at times, then perhaps this definition isn’t so far off from the original one.) Den can also mean "a hideout for criminals."
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Poised over everyone like a den mother is Susie Wiles, his chief of staff, who reads Mr. Trump’s moods impeccably.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
His nomination, subject to shareholder approval, comes as the brewer is facing lower beer sales after six years under CEO Dolf van den Brink, who surprised the company by stepping down after a "mixed performance".
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
“With Paul, what separates him from other coaches is he always wants to train,” said Roman Van den Bosch, an 18-year-old high school student who has been working with Caligiuri for a couple of years.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
Colorful rugs and artworks help to add a vibrant feel to a den space, which features a built-in fireplace, while a variety of textures bring a fresh perspective to the open-plan design.
From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026
He pauses, reaches into the den, and touches fingers with the chimp before shutting the door.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
