Aerie
/ˈɛəri/
nounC2
Definition
An aerie is a bird’s nest that is very high and often on a steep place like a cliff or tall tree. It is usually made by large birds that hunt for food, such as eagles or hawks. People sometimes use "aerie" to describe a high, safe place that feels private or protected.
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See It in Action
A large nest of a bird of prey, built high on cliffs or trees
- •The eagle returned to its aerie after hunting all day.
- •We saw an aerie perched on the rocky cliff during our hike.
- •Hawks often build their aerie in tall pine trees.
A high, secluded place resembling a bird’s aerie
- •The mountain cabin felt like an aerie, far above the village below.
- •She described her office as an aerie, quiet and full of sunlight.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "aerie" like "nest" (A1 word), but a special nest that is very high and hard to reach
- ✓Picture a big eagle’s nest sitting on the edge of a tall cliff, with a wide view of the valley below
- ✓It’s the feeling of being in a quiet, safe place far above the busy world
- ✓Sounds like "AIR-ee" → imagine a nest floating in the air, high and light like a cloud
- ✓In stories, heroes or wise birds live in aerie places, watching over their land from above
- ✓NOT like "nest" that can be low or hidden; an aerie is always high and open to the sky
- ✓NOT like "home" on the ground; an aerie is a special home built for safety and watching
- ✓NOT like "cave" (dark and closed), an aerie is open and exposed but safe because of height
Try Other Words
- •Eyrie: an alternative spelling meaning the same (Use in older or poetic texts)
- •Nest: a general bird home (Use when height or size is not important)
- •Roost: a place where birds rest or sleep (Use when focusing on resting, not building)
- •Perch: a high place for sitting (Use when not referring to a full nest)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (No clear prefix or suffix; "aerie" is a whole word)
- •Etymology: From Old French "aire," meaning "nest," originally from Latin "area" meaning "open space"
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century in English to mean a high bird’s nest, especially for eagles and hawks
- •Modern usage: Mainly used in literature or nature descriptions to mean a high, large bird’s nest or a high, safe place
Reflect & Connect
•How does the idea of an aerie help you understand the importance of safety and height in nature?
•Can you think of places in your life that feel like an aerie—a quiet, high, and protected spot?
Fill in the blanks
1.Eagles build their aerie ___ on cliffs or tall trees to stay safe from ___.
2.The aerie is different from a regular nest because it is always very ___ and often very ___.
3.When someone describes their home as an aerie, they mean it feels ___ and ___.
4.The word aerie sounds like "AIR-ee," which helps you remember it is a nest high in the ___.
5.Unlike a cave, an aerie is ___ and open but still feels very ___.
6.Hawks use an aerie to watch for prey because it gives them a ___ view of the ___ below.
7.A simple nest can be on the ground, but an aerie is always built ___ to protect the birds.