lair
/leə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈɛr] /ler/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈɛr] /ˈler/ (ame, mw)
lair — noun
- lairsingular
- lairsplural
1. the secret home of a fierce or wild creature — typically a hole, cave, or thicke
the secret home of a fierce or wild creature — typically a hole, cave, or thicket where the animal sleeps and shelters between hunts — and, by extension, a tucked-away spot that a person uses as a private hideout, retreat, or base, often with a slightly dramatic or mysterious feel (a criminal's mountain hideaway, a villain's secret base, or a quiet attic room someone disappears into to work).
The hunters tracked the wolf back to its lair under a fallen pine tree.
the lair of [animal] + locative phrase
After ten years on the run, the bank robber was caught in his mountain lair.
extended sense: criminal's hidden refuge
Padma rarely leaves her writing lair in the attic before lunch.
A bear's lair is usually a deep hole under tree roots, lined with dry leaves.
The detective followed muddy footprints straight to the gang's secret lair beside the river.
- den
near-equivalent; 'den' is more everyday and also used of bears, foxes, lions
- hideout
for people only — a place where someone hides from the law or from others
- burrow
smaller, dug by the animal itself, used of rabbits, foxes, badgers
- retreat
softer, positive — a quiet place to relax, not necessarily hidden
文法句型
the lair of [animal/person]
in/inside one's lair
用法筆記
Often used with a possessive (the wolf's lair, his lair) or with descriptive adjectives like 'secret', 'hidden', 'mountain'. In figurative use about people, carries a slightly dramatic or playful tone — fitting for villains, hermits, or cosy private rooms, not for ordinary homes or offices.