Synonyms for

Nesting

Verb / ˈnestɪŋ / Another word for nesting — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of building a nest or settling into a home.

Synonyms & similar words

snuggle cuddle nest drawclose nestle nuzzle building constructing creating establishing forming housing settling sheltering squatting dwelling inhabiting occupying residing roosting staying boarding lodging nestling quartering rooming

Synonyms by register

Formal

housing sheltering lodging residing

Informal

settling in making a home chilling out hanging out

Literary

roosting perching dwelling

Antonyms

leaving departing abandoning dispersing scattering moving out

Common collocations

  • nesting instinct
  • nesting doll
  • nesting place
  • nesting behavior
  • nesting box
  • nesting material
  • nesting grounds

Word family

noun nest
verb nest
adjective nesting

Usage note

Primarily refers to birds building nests or animals finding shelter. Can also refer to humans settling into a home, especially in an informal context.

Example sentences

  1. The robin was nesting in the bushes.
  2. The mother bird was busy nesting on her eggs.
  3. The squirrel was nesting in the tree hollow.
  4. The cat was trying to catch the nesting birds.
  5. The bird's nesting habits were studied by the scientists.

Quotes

  • Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration. - Charles Dickens
  • Home is where the heart is. - Pliny the Elder
  • A house is made of bricks and beams. A home is made of hopes and dreams. - Unknown

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