nook
n. countablen. a small, quiet space that is hidden or tucked away from the rest of a room. It is often a cozy spot where you can sit and relax.
n. a small corner or recess, especially one that offers seclusion or security. Often used to describe architectural features or hidden spots in nature.
She spent the afternoon reading in a quiet breakfast nook.
The old library was full of hidden nooks where students could study without being disturbed.
Every nook and cranny of the ancient cottage was filled with heirlooms, creating a sense of history that felt both intimate and slightly overwhelming.
From Middle English noke, nok (“nook, corner, angle”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Old English hnoc, hnocc (“hook, angle”), from Proto-Germanic hnukkaz, hnukkô (“a bend”), from Proto-Indo-European knewg- (“to turn, press”), from Proto-Indo-European ken- (“to pinch, press, bend”). If so, then also related to Scots nok (“small hook”), Norwegian dialectal nok, nokke (“hook, angle, bent object”), Danish nok (“hook”), Swedish nock (“ridge”), Faroese nokki (“crook”), Icelandic hnokki (“hook”), Dutch nok (“ridge”) or Dutch hoek (“corner”), Low German Nocke (“tip”), Old Norse hnúka (“to bend, crouch”), Old English ġehnycned (“drawn, pinched, wrinkled”). Also cognate with Scots neuk, nuk (“corner, angle of a square, angular object”).
Frequently appears in the idiomatic phrase 'every nook and cranny' to mean every possible part of a place.