Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Funnel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🕳️
Add to dictionary

funnel

[ˈfʌnəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

kitchen utensil

A funnel is a cone-shaped container with a tube at the small end, used for pouring liquids or fine-grained substances into containers with small openings.

Synonyms

channel, chute, tube.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
funnel

Use in situations where you need to pour liquids or small particles into a container with a small opening.

  • She used a funnel to pour the oil into the engine.
  • Pouring grains into the bottle is easier with a funnel.
chute

Use for a sloping channel or slide for conveying things to a lower level.

  • He went down the laundry chute to the basement.
  • The workers used a chute to send the debris down from the roof.
tube

Use to describe a long, hollow cylinder used to convey or hold materials, often used for more solid substances or gases.

  • She squeezed the toothpaste out of the tube.
  • The scientist used a tube to pass the gas through the experiment.
channel

Use to refer to a medium for communication or the route along which information or goods are transmitted.

  • The company uses multiple channels to reach its customers, including social media and email.
  • They dug a channel to divert the river's flow.

Examples of usage

  • Use a funnel to pour the batter into the cake tin.
  • The bartender used a funnel to pour the cocktail into a glass.
Context #2 | Noun

marketing

In marketing, a funnel refers to the process of narrowing down a large number of potential customers into a smaller number of actual purchases.

Synonyms

pipeline, process, system.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
funnel

Use when referring to a narrowing approach to filter or direct the flow from a wider top to a narrower bottom, often used in sales and marketing.

  • Our sales funnel helps capture and qualify leads before they reach the sales team.
  • We need to create more engaging content at the top of the funnel to attract potential customers.
pipeline

Ideal for describing a structured process or series of stages, especially in business or project management, to achieve a goal.

  • Our project pipeline includes several stages from initiation to completion.
  • We have a strong sales pipeline for the coming quarter.
process

General term for a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end.

  • The hiring process includes several rounds of interviews.
  • We need to streamline our process for handling customer complaints.
system

Best suited when referring to a complex or organized set of things working together as components of a larger entity.

  • Our new CRM system helps us manage customer relationships more effectively.
  • The education system needs reforms to meet current needs.

Examples of usage

  • The sales team analyzed the sales funnel to identify areas for improvement.
  • Understanding the marketing funnel is crucial for successful business growth.
Context #3 | Verb

to channel or direct

To funnel means to channel or direct something through or as if through a funnel.

Synonyms

channel, direct, guide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
funnel

Used when talking about directing the flow of liquids or, metaphorically, directing a concentrated flow of information, people, or resources into a specific path.

  • I used a funnel to pour the oil into the engine.
  • They funneled all the donations through one central charity.
channel

Best for describing the act of directing energy, emotions, or water/communication along a specific path. Often implies continuous or controlled flow.

  • She channeled her anger into her workout.
  • The river was channeled to prevent flooding.
direct

Appropriate for describing the act of giving explicit instructions or showing someone the way. It can also mean controlling the course of events or taking someone from one point to another with clear guidance.

  • He directed us to the nearest exit.
  • The manager directed the project from start to finish.
guide

Used when offering advice, showing the way, or helping someone understand something. It implies a gentle or supportive approach.

  • The tour guide showed us around the museum.
  • Teachers are there to guide students through their learning process.

Examples of usage

  • The students funneled into the auditorium for the assembly.
  • She funneled all her energy into completing the project on time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Funnels are used in chemistry labs to transfer liquids without causing spills, essential for accurate experiments.
  • In meteorology, a funnel shape in clouds can indicate the formation of tornadoes, revealing nature's powerful phenomena.
  • When studying fluid dynamics, funnels help scientists understand how liquids flow under different conditions.

Everyday Use

  • In kitchens, funnels help in filling containers with powders or liquids without mess, making cooking and baking easier.
  • Car mechanics use funnels for adding fluids, ensuring precise placement without any waste.
  • Funnels are not just for liquids; they can be used with small grains or sand, showcasing versatility in use.

Art

  • Certain artists have created sculptures inspired by funnels, playing with the concept of flow and direction.
  • In graphic design, funnel shapes are often used in infographics to represent filtering processes or to guide viewers' attention.
  • The funnel shape can symbolize the creative process, where many ideas at the top narrow down to a single outcome at the bottom.

Origin of 'funnel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'funnel' comes from the Latin 'fundibulum', which means 'a pouring' or 'to pour'.
  • In Middle English, it became 'funnelle', showing the evolution of the term through languages.
  • The progressive adaptation of the word reflects changes in its use and popularity through centuries.

The word 'funnel' originated in the late 15th century from Middle English 'fonel' and Old French 'fonnaille', both of which ultimately derive from the Latin 'infundibulum', meaning 'a funnel'. The concept of a funnel has been used for centuries in various applications, from kitchen use to marketing strategies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,062, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.