den Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the habitation of wild animals
    lair.
  2. noun a hiding place; usually a remote place used by outlaws
    hideout; hideaway.
  3. noun a unit of 8 to 10 cub scouts
  4. noun a room that is comfortable and secluded

WordNet

Den noun
Etymology
AS. denn; perh. akin to G. tenne floor, thrashing floor, and to AS. denu valley.
Definitions
  1. A small cavern or hollow place in the side of a hill, or among rocks; esp., a cave used by a wild beast for shelter or concealment; as, a lion's den; a den of robbers.
  2. A squalid place of resort; a wretched dwelling place; a haunt; as, a den of vice. "Those squalid dens, which are the reproach of great capitals." Addison.
  3. Any snug or close retreat where one goes to be alone. Colloq.
  4. AS. denu. A narrow glen; a ravine; a dell. Old Eng. & Scotch Shak.
Den intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To live in, or as in, a den.
    The sluggish salvages that den below. G. Fletcher.

Webster 1913