Spanish word

madriguera

Pronunciation

IPA/maðɾiˈɣeɾa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounburrow

Example

El conejo vive en una madriguera.

The rabbit lives in a burrow.

Illustration for madriguera (burrow)

More examples

Los niños encontraron una madriguera debajo del árbol.

The children found a burrow under the tree.

Core concept

Underground shelter and chamber where animals hide and raise young.

Common phrases

  • salir de la madriguera

    leave the burrow

  • ocultarse en la madriguera

    hide in the burrow

Similar words

guarida: Hidden shelter or lair where animals take refuge and remain concealed.
cueva: Large natural cave or hollow formed in rock or earth.
nido: Nest built by birds or small animals to lay eggs and rear their young.
agujero: Simple hole or opening in the ground or in an object, usually unstructured.

Definition in Spanish

Hueco natural o construido en la tierra donde ciertos animales se refugian, especialmente para criar o esconderse.

Word origin

From medieval Spanish madriguera, used since the Middle Ages to mean an animal refuge, with uncertain ultimate origin.

Usage tips

  • The word refers to animal lairs (rabbits, foxes) rather than human houses, and for a person's home Spanish speakers say casa.

Other meanings

  • hideoutnoun

Opposites

  • aire libreoutdoorsnoun

Word lists with this word