In the US - what is a "den" exactly?

Question

As a non-native speaker, I often come across the word "den" in books and articles from the US, but I am in doubt about what it is. Is it an extra living room that is made to be cozy; for play and watching tv for instance, or...? Or can it have other functions, for instance as an office/library or something..?
Grateful for any helpful answers !

Answer 1

Who the f really has a "den" though, nowadays? That was back in Brady Bunch days, for Brady families. Anybody that I know needs all the space they can get in their house. What might have been a "den" is a bedroom.....or if not a bedroom (kids have moved out, etc.) then it is a place for all the extra junk that won't fit anywhere else.

The point I'm raising (or the dimension I'm adding) is that to use the term "den" has a certain "ring" to it that connotes being well-off.

Answer 2

It depends on the context.
For instance, the cave that bears live in is also called a den.

When referred to in a house, there are 2 different things (depending on the house and the family) that could be called a den.

Some houses, have 2 living rooms. 1 is the room where you would invite company to sit, and watch tv, or what have you. In the old days, this room would be called "The Great Room" (just in case you ever came across that term).

The den in this scenario, would be the second living room, used daily by the family who lives in it.

And in the second household type, the main living room would be for the whole family, and a second room (which is usually a bedroom converted), would be sort of a get away and be alone room. It would, normally have a desk, and some small hobby items, but, usually not a tv.

At least, these are the only 3 terms for "Den" that I am aware of.

Answer 3

You've got the right idea - a den used to be a second room used for a library or an office or a game room or a place where you could get away from the TV. Now most American houses have a family room that is open to the rest of the house and is like a second living room, only less formal.

Answer 4

I den is typically a smaller comfortable room. It may have a TV in it, or a small library or office. Some people keep their good booze in the den, along with some cigars.

Basically it's a room to hang out in, after you've already labeled your dining room, living room, bedrooms, office, and the like.

Answer 5

Great question!

We are as confused about it as you are, but you seem to have the right idea.

Now every household has a den.

In some homes it is the dad's private place, part office, part living room, part clubhouse for him to hang out, watch sports, play poker, and drink beer with his friends.

In some homes, the living room is somewhat formal for adult company and quiet visiting (like a parlor) and a den i more of a game room for the kids (and the adults when they choose to join in).

The den, living room, and family room can all serve basically the same functions, it just depends on who uses them, what they use them for, and what the family chooses to call them.

Answer 6

Yes, a den can be all of what you thought. A room for tv, lounging, studying. A multipurpose room.

Answer 7

It is a second living room that is usually smaller and sometimes used as the computer room.

Answer 8

usually a room off the living room, it is smaller, often it is used for the T.V., because, their are a handful of us left that think it "Low Class" to have the T.V. in the living room.

Answer 9

a home office or a small room used as a study .

Answer 10

a part of a house similar to the family room