# lair

/ˈɫɛɹ/ (US) · /lˈeə/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lair
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a secret or private place where a wild animal lives or where someone goes to hide. It is often used to describe the home of a dangerous creature or a villain.

For teachers: the den or resting place of a wild animal; by extension, a secluded or secret hideout used by a person. Often carries a connotation of danger, secrecy, or predatory behavior.

## Examples

- The bear returned to its lair to sleep for the winter.
- In the movie, the villain plans his next move from a high-tech lair hidden deep inside a volcano.
- The detective spent weeks tracking the suspect, eventually discovering a cramped basement apartment that served as the criminal's lair and primary base of operations.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically in fiction to describe the headquarters of an antagonist.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.