rookery

noun

rook·​ery ˈru̇-kə-rē 

plural rookeries

1

a

: the nests or breeding place of a colony of rooks

also : a colony of rooks

b

: a breeding ground or haunt especially of gregarious birds or mammals (such as penguins or seals)

also : a colony of such birds or mammals

2

: a crowded dilapidated tenement or group of dwellings

Examples of rookery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For even more dramatic views, take your pick from the trails in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, and make the 10-minute drive to the Piedras Blancas rookery to say hello to the region’s resident elephant seals. —Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025

Climate change remains a serious threat to the homes of sea turtles, particularly in Australia, which is home to the world’s largest nestle rookery for the marine animal. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 26 Dec. 2025

Each expectant mother in the shared rookery will use her strong limbs and claws to dig a burrow for her eggs, working across several nights. —Elizabeth Preston, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025

Every year, the survey by the South Florida Water Management District and Audubon Florida examines the main rookeries in the state. —Anthony Cruz, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rookery

• cookery

Kids Definition

rookery

noun

rook·​ery ˈru̇k-ə-rē 

plural rookeries

: the place where a group of birds or social mammals (as penguins or seals) breed, nest, or raise their young