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Tunnel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tunnel

[ˈtʌnəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

underground construction

A tunnel is an underground passage through a mountain or beneath a city, road, or river.

Synonyms

passage, subway, underpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tunnel

The term tunnel is used to describe a large, often long passage that is dug through the ground or rock, typically for transportation purposes such as cars, trains, or even pedestrians.

  • The train traveled through the mountain tunnel for several minutes.
  • They were stuck in traffic while driving through the tunnel.
passage

Passage refers to a narrow way that allows people to move from one place to another, often inside buildings or between rooms. It can also be used more abstractly to describe a segment of text.

  • The secret passage led them to an underground hideout.
  • Please read the passage from the book before our discussion.
underpass

Underpass is used to describe an underground passage that allows pedestrians or vehicles to pass beneath an obstacle, such as a road or railway.

  • We walked through the underpass to avoid crossing the busy street.
  • The highway underpass was flooded after the heavy rain.
subway

Subway is primarily used in urban settings to describe an underground train system used for public transportation. It can also refer to a tunnel or underpass used by pedestrians.

  • She took the subway to work every day.
  • We used the subway to cross the busy street.

Examples of usage

  • The train passed through the tunnel.
  • The miners dug a tunnel to reach the coal deposits.
Context #2 | Verb

to dig or bore through

To tunnel means to dig or bore through a mountain, city, road, or river to create an underground passage.

Synonyms

bore, dig, excavate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tunnel

Used when referring to a passage or a route that is dug through a natural or artificial obstacle such as a hill, building, or mountain.

  • The workers constructed a tunnel through the mountain to make travel easier.
  • The secret tunnel was used to escape from the castle.
dig

Commonly used to describe the act of making a hole in the ground, often with a shovel or hands. It is more general and less formal, sometimes implying effort.

  • The kids decided to dig a hole in the backyard.
  • He had to dig through the soil to plant the tree.
bore

Used when referring more to a mechanical process, often involving a machine, to create precise holes or tunnels in hard materials.

  • The engineers need to bore through the concrete wall.
  • They are using special equipment to bore a tunnel.
excavate

Often used in archaeological, construction, or scientific contexts to describe the methodical process of digging and removing earth to uncover something of interest.

  • Archaeologists excavated the ancient ruins.
  • The site was excavated to build the new foundation.

Examples of usage

  • The rabbits tunnelled under the fence to escape.
  • The workers tunneled through the rock to build the subway.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Engineering

  • The oldest known tunnel, the 'Cloaca Maxima', was built in ancient Rome around 600 BC to drain local marshes.
  • Modern construction techniques, such as tunnel boring machines (TBMs), have made digging through the earth more efficient and safer.
  • Tunnels can reduce travel time significantly, like the Channel Tunnel, which connects England and France under the sea.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, tunnels often symbolize journeys of discovery or transformation, as seen in children's stories like 'Alice in Wonderland'.
  • Several cultures have myths surrounding tunnels, often portraying them as gateways to other worlds or adventures.
  • Urban legends frequently revolve around hidden tunnels, adding an air of mystery to cities around the world.

Environmental Impact

  • Creating a tunnel can change local ecosystems, affecting wildlife habitats and water flow.
  • Some tunnels are built specifically for wildlife, allowing animals to cross roads safely and reducing accidents.
  • Underwater tunnels can help in reducing pollution in cities by separating transit paths for various types of vehicles.

Origin of 'tunnel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tunnel' comes from the Old French word 'tonnel', meaning 'a small barrel', reflecting its cylindrical shape.
  • The Latin root 'tunnellus' means 'a small arch', linking to the curved structure of many tunnels.
  • The first use of 'tunnel' in English was in the late 14th century, evolving its meaning over time.

The word 'tunnel' originated from the Middle English word 'tonel' which came from the Old French word 'tonel'. The concept of tunnels dates back to ancient civilizations, with some of the earliest tunnels being constructed by the Romans and the ancient Egyptians. Tunnels have played a significant role in transportation and infrastructure development throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,558, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.