1.
burrow; den; nest hole; an animal's underground dwelling
A hole or tunnel dug by an animal for shelter, nesting, or hibernation. Used for the homes of rabbits, foxes, badgers, moles, crabs, and other burrowing creatures.
Combines 巣 (nest) and 穴 (hole). A straightforward compound describing an animal's hole-type dwelling.
Common collocations
- 巣穴に潜る: to burrow into a den
- 巣穴を掘る: to dig a burrow
- 巣穴から出る: to come out of a burrow
- 巣穴に逃げ込む: to flee into a burrow
Usage
Used in nature documentaries, children's stories, and everyday descriptions of animal behavior. Can refer to any animal's underground or hole-type dwelling — rabbit warrens, fox dens, crab holes, etc. Occasionally used figuratively for a person's hiding place or private retreat.