Definition

1. Noun:
   • A structure built by wasps to house their colony: A "wasps' nest" is the physical, often papery, nest constructed by social wasps as a dwelling place for the colony. It serves as a habitat containing cells for rearing young and is typically found in sheltered locations like eaves, trees, or underground.

Usage

• The term is used to refer specifically to the nest of wasps. It describes the object itself and often implies a potential hazard due to the defensive nature of the insects.
• Example:
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• "To stir up a hornet's nest": This is a related idiom meaning to cause a lot of trouble or provoke a strong, angry reaction. Note that this idiom uses "hornet's nest" but is conceptually linked.
  • Example: His controversial comments really stirred up a hornet's nest.

Variants and Related Words

• Wasp nest (noun): A common alternative spelling without the apostrophe, meaning the same as "wasps' nest".
• Hornet's nest (noun): A nest built by hornets, which are a larger type of wasp; often used interchangeably in general conversation.
• Hive (noun): More commonly associated with bees, but sometimes used loosely for wasp nests.

Synonyms

• Wasp hive (less common)
• Vespiary (a technical term for a wasps' nest)

Notes

• The term is a compound noun. The apostrophe in "wasps' nest" indicates possession (the nest belonging to wasps). The singular form "wasp's nest" is also grammatically correct when referring to a nest of a single wasp species or colony.
• It is important to distinguish it from a beehive, which is made by honey bees from wax.

Noun

1. habitation for wasps or hornets