roost

1 of 2

noun

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
During the total solar eclipse of 2017, scientists observed the reactions of zoo animals, with some birds returning to evening roosts while nocturnal species became more active. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025 In Germany, thrillers, cop shows and YA comedies rule the output roost. John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
In the trees lining the avenues, thousands of fruit bats roost through the day and then take flight at dusk. Samanth Subramanian, The Dial, 14 Oct. 2025 Though no condors were roosting near the Grand Canyon area wildfires, the Peregrine Fund evacuated three captive condors in their facilities to a safe location. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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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