Burrow: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used when referring to small animals digging into the ground to create a home or shelter.

• The rabbit dug a burrow to keep its family safe.
• Field mice often make burrows in the soft soil.

A general term for any opening or cavity in the ground or other surface. It can also be used in more abstract senses.

• The child accidentally stepped into a hole and twisted his ankle.
• She felt like she was stuck in a hole of despair.

Often refers to a passage dug through the ground, rock, or other material, usually created for transportation or mining.

• The train passed through a long tunnel under the mountain.
• Moles create intricate tunnel systems underground.

Typically used to describe the home of larger animals, like predators, and can also be used metaphorically for a cozy human space.

• The lioness returned to her den to feed the cubs.
• He retreated to his den with a good book.

Typically used when referring to animals creating a space underground for living or hiding. It suggests a natural action done by creatures like rabbits or moles.

• The rabbit burrowed under the log to hide from the predator.
• Moles create extensive burrows underground.

Commonly used in everyday language when referring to the action of breaking up and moving earth with tools, hands, or machinery. It does not necessarily imply a specific purpose.

• The children love to dig in the sand at the beach.
• Workers are digging a hole for the new swimming pool.

Often used in professional or archaeological contexts when referring to the careful digging out of an area to discover or retrieve something. It implies a systematic and deliberate process.

• Archaeologists excavated the ancient ruins to uncover historical artifacts.
• Construction crews will excavate the site before building the foundation.

Refers to the act of digging or creating a long, narrow passageway, typically through earth, rock, or under obstacles. It suggests a more extensive and purposeful effort compared to regular digging.

• The miners tunneled deep into the mountain to find precious minerals.
• Engineers designed the tunnel to run under the river.