plural dens
1
: the home of some kinds of wild animals
a fox's den [=lair]
The bears will spend most of the winter in their den.
2
a
US
: an informal and comfortable room in a house
The TV is in the den.
b
chiefly British, informal + old-fashioned
: a small and quiet room in a house where someone goes to read, work, etc.
He spent most evenings in the den reading and smoking his pipe.
3
: a secret place where people meet especially to do things that are illegal or immoral
a den of thieves
a gambling den
an opium den
the club's reputation as a den of iniquity [=a place where immoral or illegal things are done]
4
British
: a small often secret structure that children play in
The children had built themselves a den in the woods.
5
US
: a group of Cub Scouts
Cite this Entry
“Den.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/den. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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