DictionarynestFitting inside
verb

nest

To fit or place one thing inside another.

These mixing bowls nest inside one another to save cabinet space.

Etymology

The noun's image of a snug containing place underlies the verb. Objects nest when one fits closely within another, as a bird settles into its nest.

More examples

  • Nest the smaller cups inside the larger ones.
  • She nests one folder inside another to organize her files.
  • We packed the containers with their lids off so they could nest.

Forms

nest · nests · nested · nesting

Similar words

fit
Emphasizes matching available space, not necessarily placement within another object.
insert
Means putting something inside, without implying a snug fit.