drey

Everyday

1. A drey is the nest of a squirrel, built high in a tree from twigs, leaves and moss. tree →
2. It is round like a ball, with a soft lining inside where the squirrel sleeps and keeps its babies warm. tree →

In the lessons

A nature word used in science lessons about animal homes and in stories set in woods and parks, especially in the UK. It tells the reader that a squirrel lives nearby. Phrases: «a squirrel's drey», «build a drey», «a drey in the oak».

Examples

• We spotted a drey high up in the oak tree. tree →
• Grey squirrels build their dreys from twigs and leaves. tree →
• In winter the drey is easy to see because the branches are bare. tree →
• Baby squirrels are born in the drey. tree →
• A drey looks like a messy ball of sticks. tree →
• The squirrel ran up the trunk and disappeared into its drey. tree →
• Our class drew a map of all the dreys in the park. tree →
• A bird's nest is open on top, but a drey usually has a roof. tree →

Note

Countable noun: one drey, two dreys. Rhymes with «day». Not the same as a bird's nest; a rabbit has a burrow, a fox has a den, a squirrel has a drey. Rare word that many adults do not know.