Meaning & Definition of word "Tunnel"

Tunnel

/ˈtʌn.əl/

1. A long, typically underground passage, dug through the ground or across a mountain, for the purpose of transporting people or vehicles.
- Example: The workers finished digging the tunnel that would connect the two cities.
2. An artificial passage in a building, structure, or among objects, such as a tunnel for vehicles.
- Example: The parking garage has a tunnel that leads directly to the elevator.
3. A similar passage or channel, especially in a biological context, such as a burrow in the ground.
- Example: The rabbit quickly disappeared into its tunnel when it sensed danger.

1. To make a tunnel through (something).
- Example: They plan to tunnel under the river to create a new transport route.
2. To move through a passage in a way that resembles the act of tunneling.
- Example: He had to tunnel his way through the snowdrift to reach the road.

Middle English 'tonnel', from Old French 'tonnel', diminutive of 'tone' meaning a barrel or cask.

dig a tunnel:

To create a passage by excavating earth.

tunnel vision:

A narrow focus on one aspect of a situation to the exclusion of others.

tunnel through:

To create a path by excavating through an obstacle.

bore:

To drill a hole through something, often using machinery.

excavation:

The process of digging up or removing earth.

burrow:

A hole or tunnel dug by a small animal for habitation or refuge.

Meaning: To tunnel under something

Example Sentence: He plans to tunnel under the fence to access the other side.

Meaning: Tunnel vision

Example Sentence: She has tunnel vision on this project and isn't considering other options.