Tunnel

/ˈtʌn.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A long, typically underground passage, dug through the ground or across a mountain, for the purpose of transporting people or vehicles.

The workers finished digging the tunnel that would connect the two cities.

An artificial passage in a building, structure, or among objects, such as a tunnel for vehicles.

The parking garage has a tunnel that leads directly to the elevator.

A similar passage or channel, especially in a biological context, such as a burrow in the ground.

The rabbit quickly disappeared into its tunnel when it sensed danger.

verb

To make a tunnel through (something).

They plan to tunnel under the river to create a new transport route.

To move through a passage in a way that resembles the act of tunneling.

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.

To tunnel under something

He plans to tunnel under the fence to access the other side.

Tunnel vision

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