Build a nest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Build a nest

🐣

Add to dictionary

build a nest

[bɪld ə nɛst ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

animal behavior

To construct a shelter or home using twigs, leaves, and other materials for the purpose of laying eggs and raising offspring.

Synonyms

assemble, construct, create.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
build a nest	Used when talking about birds or animals making a home for themselves. It can also be used metaphorically for people creating a cozy, safe place. The birds are busy in the spring building their nests. She decided to build a nest for herself, creating a comfortable home environment.
construct	Used in formal or technical contexts to describe the building of complex structures or systems. It often pertains to buildings, infrastructure, or large-scale projects. They plan to construct a new bridge over the river. The team is working hard to construct a new software system for the company.
create	Used in a broad range of contexts to describe bringing something into existence. It can apply to art, ideas, solutions, or any new thing. She loves to create beautiful paintings. We need to create a plan for the upcoming project.
assemble	Used when talking about putting things together from separate parts. Commonly used for furniture, toys, or mechanical items. It often implies following instructions. I need to assemble the new bookshelf before dinner. He assembled the toy car in under an hour using the manual.

Examples of usage

She watched as the bird carefully built a nest in the tree.
The squirrel used leaves and branches to build a nest in the hollow of the tree trunk.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature & Habits

Many bird species spend a significant amount of time building, decorating, and protecting their nests to ensure their babies' safety.
Some birds, like the weaver bird, create elaborate nests that can hold entire communities.
The materials used to build nests can vary widely, from twigs and grasses to mud and even human-made items.

Psychology

The act of nesting can be seen in humans, especially during pregnancy, as a way to prepare for a new family member.
Creating a safe and comforting environment has been shown to reduce stress and promote well-being.
Nesting behaviors in different species often reflect their instinctual need to protect and nurture future generations.

Art & Literature

Nests often symbolize safety, family, and new beginnings in literature and art, highlighting themes of life and growth.
Internationally renowned artists have used the image of a nest to represent the human desire for home.
In poetry, nests have been used metaphorically to discuss vulnerability and the necessity of shelter.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, nests represent fertility and the idea of family, often celebrated in festivals and traditions.
Many indigenous tribes view nesting as sacred, associating it with their creation myths and the Earth’s natural cycles.
The practice of nest building is sometimes mimicked in human architecture, showcasing cultural aesthetics across civilizations.

Origin of 'build a nest'

Main points about word origin

The word 'nest' comes from the Old English 'næst,' meaning a place of rest or shelter.
The concept of building a nest stretches back thousands of years, possibly dating to early human shelter practices.
Different cultures have associated nests with comfort and home, influencing language and symbolism.

The act of building nests is a common behavior among various animal species, particularly birds and some mammals. Nest-building serves as a crucial aspect of reproduction and survival in the animal kingdom. Birds, for example, build nests to protect their eggs and provide a safe environment for their young. This instinctual behavior has evolved over millions of years as a way to ensure the continuation of species. The intricate designs and materials used in nest construction vary among different species and are often influenced by environmental factors.