Definition

Noun: A drey is the nest of a squirrel. It is typically a spherical or platform-like structure built from twigs, leaves, moss, and other materials, often located high in the branches of a tree.

Usage

The word drey is a specific, zoological term. It is used to refer exclusively to the nest of a squirrel. * We spotted a large drey in the oak tree. * The grey squirrel built its drey in the fork of the pine. * During the storm, the drey remained secure among the branches.

Advanced Usage

• Collecting materials for a drey: Describes the squirrel's nest-building activity.
  • The squirrel was busy collecting leaves to line its drey for winter.

Variants and Related Words

• Nest (n): The general term for a structure built by birds, insects, or some mammals to hold eggs or young. A drey is a specific type of nest.
• Den (n): A wild animal's lair or shelter, typically on the ground (e.g., a fox's den). This is distinct from an arboreal drey.

Synonyms

• Squirrel nest: A direct, descriptive synonym.
• Lair: Can be used more broadly for any wild animal's resting place, but is less specific than drey.

Noun

1. the nest of a squirrel