First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1funnel
noun fun·nel \ˈfə-nəl\
: 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
1
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
2
: a stack or flue for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)
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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
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
1
: to have or take the shape of a funnel
2
: to pass through or as if through a funnel or conduit <the crowd funnels through the doors>
transitive verb
1
: to form in the shape of a funnel <funneled his hands and shouted through them>
2
: 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
FUNNEL Defined for Kids
funnel
noun fun·nel \ˈfə-nəl\
Definition of FUNNEL for Kids
1
: a utensil usually shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point and used to catch and direct a downward flow
2
: 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
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