Tunnel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈtə-nᵊl/ tun·nel

Meaning & Definition of Tunnel

Tunnel (noun)

  1. a covered passageway; specifically, a horizontal passageway through or under an obstruction
  2. a subterranean gallery (as in a mine)
  3. burrow

Tunnel (verb)

  1. to make or use a tunnel
  2. to pass through a potential barrier
  3. to make a tunnel or similar opening through or under; also, to make (one's way) by or as if by making a tunnel

Tunnel (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a passage that goes under the ground, through a hill, etc.

    "The train goes through a tunnel in the mountain."

    "The moles dug tunnels in the yard."

    similar: crawlway, gallery, subway, antre, cave, cavern, delve (archaic), grot, grotto, abyss, chasm, gulf, hollow, excavation, mine, pit, shaft, well, bunker, dugout, foxhole, burrow, covert, den, hole, lair, lodge, shelter

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Tunnel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tunnel:

Archaic: delve
crawlway, gallery, subway, antre, cave, cavern, grot, grotto, abyss, chasm, gulf, hollow, excavation, mine, pit, shaft, well, bunker, dugout, foxhole, burrow, covert, den, hole, lair, lodge, shelter

Word Forms of Tunnel

Inflections: tunneled, tunnelled, tunneling, tunnelling

Derived words: tunnellike (adjective), tunneler (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Tunnel

Middle English tonel cask, tun, from Anglo-French, from tone tun

First known use: 1508

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Tunnel

Words & Phrases Containing Tunnel

tunnel vision, carpal tunnel syndrome, high tunnel, wind tunnel

Frequently Asked Questions about Tunnel

What does "Tunnel" mean?

"Tunnel" means a covered passageway; specifically, a horizontal passageway through or under an obstruction. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a covered passageway; specifically, a horizontal passageway through or under an obstruction.

What is another word for "Tunnel"?

Other words for "Tunnel" include crawlway, gallery, subway, antre, cave, cavern, delve and grot. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Tunnel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Tunnel"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Tunnel". Common alternatives include crawlway, gallery, subway, antre, cave, cavern, delve, grot, grotto and abyss.

How do you use "Tunnel" in a sentence?

Examples of "Tunnel" in a sentence: "The train goes through a tunnel in the mountain."; "The moles dug tunnels in the yard.".

Is "Tunnel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tunnel" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Tunnel" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Tunnel" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Tunnel"?

"Tunnel" is pronounced /ˈtə-nᵊl/ and divided into syllables as tun·nel.

What is the origin of the word "Tunnel"?

"Tunnel" comes from Middle English tonel cask, tun, from Anglo-French, from tone tun. First known use: 1508.