a pocketlike, usually more or less circular structure of twigs, grass, mud, etc., formed by a bird, often high in a tree, as a place in which to lay and incubate its eggs and rear its young; any protected place used by a bird for these purposes.

a place used by insects, fishes, turtles, rabbits, etc., for depositing their eggs or young.

a number of birds, insects, animals, etc., inhabiting one such place.

a snug retreat or refuge; resting place; home.

an assemblage of things lying or set close together, as a series of boxes or trays, that fit within each other

a nest of tables.

a place where something bad is fostered or flourishes

a nest of vice; a robber's nest.

the occupants or frequenters of such a place.

to settle or place (something) in or as if in a nest

to nest dishes in straw.

to fit or place one within another

to nest boxes for more compact storage.

to build or have a nest

The swallows nested under the eaves.

to settle in or as if in a nest.

to fit together or within another or one another

bowls that nest easily for storage.

to search for or collect nests

to go nesting.

Computers . to place a routine inside another routine that is at a higher hierarchical level.

noun

aerie , breeding ground , burrow , den , haunt , hideaway , lair , refuge , roost , abode , aery , brook , cave , eyrie , fit , group , hive , home , nide , nidification , nidus , resort , retreat , swarm