nestling

USAGE SUMMARY

'nestling' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun related to birds and their young, and it can be used to describe something that is in a sheltered or secure location, such as a sheltered harbour or a secure corner of a room. Example sentence: "The little nestling was happy to be in the secure corner of the living room, where it was out of sight of any potential predators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Within the space of a few years, large parochial cemeteries, nestling on the edge of the city, were an accepted part of the London landscape.

The Guardian

Both went to al-Jazeera for its continuing campaign to get all its imprisoned journalists freed – the citation nestling alongside the Fifa World Cup trophy tour and other superior things.

The Guardian

Coltart too might not have tamed the Tiger under any circumstances, but with a huge crowd lining the 9th fairway it is disgraceful that he was allowed to spend five minutes on a fruitless search deep in the woods for his ball when all the while it was nestling in the semi-rough only a few feet from the fairway.

The Guardian - Sport

They are one of the most prepossessing sights in southern England, a polished stegosaurus back rising from the Severn plain, the spa town of Great Malvern nestling in their green flanks with an almost Italianate elegance.

The Guardian

For the duration of the evening, she's sat silently in the corner, a cooling cup of tea nestling between her hands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lifting the skull reveals a cavity with a ruby heart nestling inside.

The Economist

Luton was always a bit of the industrial north nestling in the home counties the brass buckle in the stockbroker belt.

The Economist

HE HAS a normal head, but nestling between his massive shoulders it seems small.

The Economist

The reason is found behind the little boxes with bright red flowers nestling against the windows of the Swiss National Bank in Bern.

The Economist

Here Fabergé loans include acrobatic frogs, nestling rabbits, smiling rats, wicked monkeys and cuddling puppies carved from semi-precious stones.

The Economist

NESTLING high among Colorado's snow-capped peaks is Rocky Mountain Institute, a natural-resources think-tank.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nestling" to create a sense of intimacy and protection, particularly when describing natural settings or familial relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "nestling" in formal or technical contexts where a more neutral term like "located" or "situated" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nestling" is as a present participle, often used as an adjective modifying a noun, as in "a village nestling in the valley". It can also function as a gerund. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to both the act of sheltering and the state of being sheltered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nestling" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a present participle or gerund, effectively conveying a sense of being sheltered or closely situated. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it is best suited for descriptive writing where its evocative qualities can be fully appreciated. When using "nestling", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "cradled" or "snuggled" may provide more nuanced expressions depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cradled

Emphasizes gentle holding or support.

snuggled

Highlights a cozy and comfortable closeness.

sheltered

Stresses protection from the elements or harm.

tucked away

Highlights being hidden or in a secluded spot.

settled

Focuses on the act of becoming stable and secure.

ensconced

Suggests being comfortably and securely established.

perched

Implies a high or elevated resting place.

huddled

Emphasizes closeness for warmth or protection.

situated

Describes a specific location or position.

located

Indicates the presence of something in a particular place.

FAQs

How can I use "nestling" in a sentence?

You can use "nestling" to describe something that is situated in a protected or cozy location. For example, "The village was "nestling" in the valley." It can also refer to a young bird still in the nest.

What are some synonyms for "nestling"?

Alternatives to "nestling" include "cradled", "snuggled", or "sheltered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "nestling" a formal or informal word?

"Nestling" leans towards being descriptive and can be used in both neutral and slightly informal contexts, but avoid it in highly formal or technical writing.

Can "nestling" refer to anything other than a bird?

Yes, while originally referring to a bird in a nest, "nestling" can be used metaphorically to describe anything that is "tucked away" or sheltered in a cozy or protected spot.