¹funnel

noun fun·nel \ˈfə-n^əl\

: a device shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point

: something that is shaped like a funnel

: a large pipe on a ship through which smoke or steam comes out

Full Definition of FUNNEL

a : a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow

b : something shaped like a funnel

: a stack or flue for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)

See funnel defined for English-language learners

See funnel defined for kids

Origin of FUNNEL

Middle English fonel, from Anglo-French fonyle, from Old Occitan fonilh, from Medieval Latin fundibulum, short for Latin infundibulum, from infundere to pour in, from in- + fundere to pour — more at found

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with FUNNEL

gunnel, gunwale, runnel, tunnel

²funnel

verb

: to pass through a funnel or a narrow opening

: to send (something, such as money) to someone or something in usually an indirect or secret way

funneled also funnelledfunnel·ing also funnel·ling

Full Definition of FUNNEL

intransitive verb

: to have or take the shape of a funnel

: to pass through or as if through a funnel or conduit <the crowd funnels through the doors>

transitive verb

: to form in the shape of a funnel <funneled his hands and shouted through them>

: to move to a focal point or into a conduit or central channel <contributions were funneled into one account>

See funnel defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of FUNNEL

1594

Related to FUNNEL

Synonyms: canalize, channelize, conduct, direct, channel, pipe, siphon (also syphon)

Rhymes with FUNNEL

gunnel, tunnel

FUNNELLING Defined for Kids

funnel

noun fun·nel \ˈfə-n^əl\

Definition of FUNNEL for Kids

: a utensil usually shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point and used to catch and direct a downward flow

: a large pipe for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)

Medical Dictionary

funnel

noun fun·nel \ˈfən-^əl\

Medical Definition of FUNNEL

: a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow—see büchner funnel