eyrie

American  

[air-ee, eer-ee] / ˈɛər i, ˈɪər i /

Or eyry

noun

eyries plural

1. aerie.

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eyrie British  

/ ˈɪərɪ, ˈaɪərɪ, ˈɛərɪ /

noun

1. the nest of an eagle or other bird of prey, built in a high inaccessible place

2. the brood of a bird of prey, esp an eagle

3. any high isolated position or place

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Etymology

Origin of eyrie

C16: from Medieval Latin airea, from Latin ārea open field, hence nest

Explanation

An eyrie is the nest of a bird of prey such as an eagle or hawk. Eyries are perched high, in tall trees or on cliffs. You've probably seen a bird's nest or two, but you may not have seen an eyrie. That's because eyries are very high up. Some eyries are in enormous trees, while others are on the sides of cliffs and mountains. This keeps the bird's nest very safe from other animals, but the birds who make eyries are dangerous: hunting birds such as eagles, falcons, and hawks. After killing and eating its prey, an eagle will return to its eyrie.

Example Sentences

His most recent release, Eyrie, was made with the help of Swedish composer Peter Sandberg, who can be heard on the soundtrack to Netflix's hit series Stranger Things.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2024

At this time of the year, Jason Lett, proprietor of the Eyrie Vineyards in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, is usually bottling wines and packing boxes to ship to members of Eyrie’s wine club.

From New York Times • Apr. 10, 2020

Varys claimed he was on the side of the people, but he had spent his adult life in Kings Landing, while Tyrion had been to the North, the Wall, the Eyrie and even Greyscale Island.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2019

Eyrie Vineyards and Silvan Ridge Winery helped make the wines.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2019

"Would that I could. Lady Arryn took her household back to the Eyrie."

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin