roost

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of roostnext
1
a
: a support on which birds rest
b
: a place where winged animals and especially birds customarily roost
2
: a group of birds roosting together

roost

2 of 2

verb

roosted; roosting; roosts

intransitive verb

1
: to settle down for rest or sleep : perch
2
: to settle oneself as if on a roost

transitive verb

: to supply a roost for or put to roost

Examples of roost in a Sentence

Verb Pigeons roost on the building's ledge. pigeons flying home to roost on the roof
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Wild hens don’t have someone taking care of them, providing a clean, warm roost, nutritious food and health care. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025 Bats like to switch roosts every few days, so multiple bat houses in one area is a good idea. Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Two lovers embraced in a curtained room, while a white peacock roosted on a ledge. Dennis Zhou, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025 Exposure often happens during activities like remodeling old buildings or clearing areas where birds have roosted. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for roost

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hrōst; akin to Old Saxon hrōst attic

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roost was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roost. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

roost

1 of 2 noun
1
: a support on which birds rest
2
: a place where birds often roost

roost

2 of 2 verb
: to settle down for rest or sleep : perch

More from Merriam-Webster on roost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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