den — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A small cavern or hollow place in the side of a hill, or among rocks; especially, a cave used by a wild animal for shelter or concealment.

   Synonyms

   lairlusterWiktionary appendix of animal terms, including their homes

   Examples

   a den of robbers

   Daniel was put into the lions’ den.

2. A squalid or wretched place; a haunt.

   Examples

   a den of vice

   an opium den; a gambling den

   More examples (1)

   Lying in a den in Bombay With a slack jaw and not much to say

3. A comfortable room not used for formal entertaining.

   Synonyms

   family roomsunroomFlorida roomArizona roomrec roomplayroom

   Broader terms

   roomspaceplacesitelocation

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: family room, sunroom, Florida room, Arizona room, rec room, playroom

4. Synonym of fort (“structure improvised from furniture, etc. for playing games.”).

   Examples

   Our little girls love using bedsheets and other stuff around the house to make dens in the living room and pretending they're on adventures.

5. A narrow glen; a ravine; a dell.

   Usage

   • Scotland
   • UK usage
   • Obsolete

   Examples

   I have made several visits of late to the Den of Rubislaw

6. A group of Cub Scouts of the same age who work on projects together.

Verb

1. To ensconce or hide oneself in (or as in) a den.

   Usage

   • Reflexive

2. Of an animal, to use as a den; to take up residence in.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   Although present in virtually all habitats, it preferred to den in caves, so its distribution, especially in cold, northern areas, may have been limited to limestone and other rocky regions where caves form.

   “Denning” – behaviour around making dens – has changed and bears are swimming long distances, but, says Aars, there is still enough sea ice in the spring for the bears to hunt successfully.

Noun

1. the habitation of wild animals

   Synonyms

   lair

   Broader terms

   habitation

2. a hiding place; usually a remote place used by outlaws

   Synonyms

   hideouthideaway

   Broader terms

   hiding place

3. a unit of 8 to 10 cub scouts

   Broader terms

   unitsocial unit

4. a room that is comfortable and secluded

   Broader terms

   room