noun
General word for a structure built or used by animals for living, breeding, or shelter. Covers bird nests, insect hives, and mammal dens.
庭の木に小鳥の巣がある。
There is a small bird's nest in the tree in the garden.
熊は冬の間、巣で過ごす。
Bears spend the winter in their dens.
noun
haunt; hangout
Figurative use for a place where people with a shared (often negative) interest gather, such as a criminal hideout or a hangout for troublemakers.
この路地は犯罪者の巣になっている。
This alley has become a haunt for criminals.
noun
web; cobweb
Specifically a spider's web. Often appears in the compound 蜘蛛の巣 (くものす).
See also: 蜘蛛の巣
部屋の隅に蜘蛛の巣が張っている。
A spider's web is stretched in the corner of the room.
Native Japanese word. The kanji 巣 is conventionally associated with nests and animal dwellings. The variant 栖 is rare and shares the same meaning.