den

/dɛn/

/dɛn/

Other forms: dens; denning; denned

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."

Definitions of den

1. noun

   the habitation of wild animals
   synonyms: lair

   type of:

   habitation

   the native habitat or home of an animal or plant
2. noun

   a hiding place; usually a remote place used by outlaws
   synonyms: hideaway, hideout, lair

   type of:

   hiding place

   a place suitable for hiding something (such as yourself)
3. noun

   a room that is comfortable and secluded
   type of:

   room

   an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
4. noun

   a unit of 8 to 10 cub scouts
   type of:

   social unit, unit

   an organization regarded as part of a larger social group