nook

noun \ ˈnu̇k \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

Definition of nook

1 chiefly Scotland : a right-angled corner

2 a : an interior angle formed by two meeting walls

b : a secluded or sheltered place or part

searched every nook and cranny

c : a small often recessed section of a larger room

a breakfast nook

See nook defined for English-language learners

See nook defined for kids

Examples of nook in a Sentence

an old house full of nooks and crannies
a cozy nook perfect for reading
We found a shady nook under an old oak tree.

Recent Examples of nook from the Web

The internet has created so many more nooks and crannies for influencers to crawl out of.

— cam wolf, GQ, "K-Swiss Wants to Sell You Shoes to Play Video Games In," 10 May 2018
In this view, existence spreads out like a fractal drawing, and there are countless nooks in which pocket universes can reside.

— brian resnick, Vox, "Stephen Hawking’s final paper makes a hopeful case for the limits of existence," 3 May 2018
Every room was transformed, providing ample nooks and crannies for eager guests to explore.

— todd plummer, Vogue, "Artist Mickalene Thomas Championed Diversity at This Year’s Tribeca Ball," 10 Apr. 2018
Driving across the country, punk-rock DIY style in Murray's RV gives the group a chance to see strange nooks and crannies across the American landscape.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Bill Murray talks about the Astros, filming in Houston, and his new musical career," 6 Apr. 2018
Expressionistic oil paintings explore existential nooks and crannies.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Fun and free events this weekend in Cincinnati," 4 Apr. 2018
If cocktails are more your speed, head to The Liquor Rooms, filled with cozy nooks and crannies and a staff renowned for their mixology skills.

— meredith carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "Flight Deal: U.S. to Ireland from $415 Round-Trip," 13 Mar. 2018
Through cheap wireless technologies, push media are already colonizing the world's last quiet nooks and crannies.

— beaverton city library, OregonLive.com, "Beaverton City Library Screening of 'Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age'," 9 Mar. 2018
Athletes here participate in a sport that sends racers hurtling headfirst down slick tracks overflowing with treacherous nooks and crannies, where every curve carries with it the chance to slide out of medal contention, if not worse.

— paul myerberg, USA TODAY, "Skeleton riders keep it light with crazy nicknames, as in Hebrew Hammer, Rock Head," 13 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nook.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nook

Middle English noke, nok

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

nook Synonyms

Synonyms

alcove, niche, recess;

Related Words

corner, cranny, cubbyhole;

cubicle;

dent, embrasure, indent, indentation, indenture;

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

NOOK Defined for English Language Learners

nook

noun

Definition of nook for English Language Learners

: a small space or corner that is inside something
: a part of a room (such as a corner) that is used for a specific purpose
: a quiet place that is sheltered by a tree, rock, etc.

NOOK Defined for Kids

nook

noun \ ˈnu̇k \

Definition of nook for Students

1 : an inner corner

a chimney nook

2 : a sheltered or hidden place

Or she could crawl through the hedge and emerge in some sheltered garden nook where neither Mrs. Tifton nor anyone else would be likely to see her.
—Jeanne Birdsall, The Penderwicks