bird's-nest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2The noun is neutral/formal; the verb is specialized/informal.
Quick answer
What does “bird's-nest” mean?
A structure built by a bird to lay its eggs and rear its young, typically made of twigs, grass, and other materials.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A structure built by a bird to lay its eggs and rear its young, typically made of twigs, grass, and other materials.
1. The edible nest of certain swiftlets, used to make bird's nest soup. 2. A plant or fungus resembling a bird's nest in shape (e.g., bird's-nest fern, bird's-nest fungus). 3. (verb) To search for or collect wild birds' nests or eggs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb form 'to bird's-nest' (or 'birdnesting') is more established in UK usage, often associated with natural history pursuits (sometimes pejoratively). In US usage, the term is primarily known for the literal nest or the culinary item.
Connotations
In the UK, 'bird's-nesting' as an activity can have a slightly old-fashioned or even negative connotation (associated with egg collecting, which is now largely illegal). In the US, the term is more neutrally descriptive.
Frequency
The compound noun form is moderately common in both varieties. The verb is low-frequency and more UK-centric.
Grammar
How to Use “bird's-nest” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] bird's-nests (verb)a bird's-nest [PREP.] the tree/branch/eavesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bird's-nest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- As a boy, he would often go bird's-nesting in the woods, though he knows better now.
- The practice of bird's-nesting is discouraged to protect wild bird populations.
American English
- While hiking, they reminisced about bird's-nesting as kids, a hobby their grandfather taught them.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the context of the luxury food trade ('import/export of edible bird's nests').
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, and culinary anthropology texts.
Everyday
Describing a nest seen in a garden or park. Discussing the exotic soup.
Technical
In botany (bird's-nest fern), mycology (bird's-nest fungus), and gastronomy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bird's-nest”
- Misspelling as 'birdsnest' (should be hyphenated or open: 'bird's nest' is also common).
- Using the verb without proper context, making the sentence unclear.
- Confusing 'bird's-nest fern' with other fern species.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable. 'Bird's nest' (singular possessive) is very common, suggesting a nest belonging to/a typical of a bird. 'Birds' nest' (plural possessive) is also used. The hyphenated form 'bird's-nest' is standard for the compound noun, especially in dictionaries.
The edible nests are made by swiftlets using their saliva, which solidifies. Harvesting them from high cave ceilings is dangerous and labor-intensive, and the cleaning process is meticulous, leading to high cost.
Yes, though it's low-frequency and more common in UK English. It means to search for or take eggs from birds' nests.
In practice, very little. 'Bird's-nest' is slightly more specific, often used to emphasise the structure itself or in compound terms (bird's-nest soup). 'Nest' is the general term and can be used for insects, reptiles, or even metaphorically (a nest of spies).
A structure built by a bird to lay its eggs and rear its young, typically made of twigs, grass, and other materials.
Bird's-nest is usually the noun is neutral/formal; the verb is specialized/informal. in register.
Bird's-nest: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːdz nest/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːrdz nest/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BIRD needs a place to REST: BIRD'S-NEST.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BIRD'S-NEST IS A HOME/SAFE HAVEN.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'bird's-nesting' most likely to refer to in a traditional British context?