First Known Use: 1508
Dictionary
1tunnel
noun tun·nel \ˈtə-nəl\
: a passage that goes under the ground, through a hill, etc.
Full Definition of TUNNEL
2
a : a covered passageway; specifically : a horizontal passageway through or under an obstruction b : a subterranean gallery (as in a mine) c : burrow
— tun·nel·like \-nəl-ˌ(l)īk\ adjective
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Origin of TUNNEL
Middle English tonel cask, tun, from Anglo-French, from tone tun
2tunnel
verb
: to make a tunnel
tunneled or tunnelledtunnel·ing or tunnel·ling \ˈtən-liŋ, ˈtə-nəl-iŋ\
Full Definition of TUNNEL
intransitive verb
1
: to make or use a tunnel
2
physics : to pass through a potential barrier <electrons tunneling through an insulator between semiconductors>
transitive verb
: to make a tunnel or similar opening through or under; also : to make (one's way) by or as if by making a tunnel
— tun·nel·er \ˈtən-lər, ˈtə-nəl-ər\ noun
See tunnel defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TUNNEL
1795
TUNNEL Defined for Kids
1tunnel
noun tun·nel \ˈtə-nəl\
Definition of TUNNEL for Kids
: a passage under the ground
2tunnel
verb
tun·neled or tun·nelledtun·nel·ing or tun·nel·ling
Definition of TUNNEL for Kids
: to make a passage under the ground
Medical Dictionary
tunnel
noun tun·nel \ˈtən-əl\
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