noun

funicular

fyoo-NIK-yuh-lər

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Funicular (noun) means a railway on a steep slope in which two linked cars, joined by a cable, move up and down at the same time and counterbalance each other. Example: “We took the funicular up the hillside to save climbing the steps.”

noun

A railway on a steep slope in which two linked cars, joined by a cable, move up and down at the same time and counterbalance each other.

"We took the funicular up the hillside to save climbing the steps."

"The town's funicular has carried passengers up the cliff for over a century."

"Two funiculars connect the harbour with the old town above it."

adjective

Relating to, worked by, or resembling a rope or cable.

"The bridge relies on a funicular system of cables to bear its load."

"Engineers studied the funicular forces acting on the suspended deck."

"The old mine used a funicular hoist to move wagons up the shaft."

How to use funicular

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA funicular is a cable railway that climbs a steep slope, with two cars that pull each other along.

When to use it

Funicular is a fairly technical word, most often met as a noun for the railway rather than the adjective.

Memory tip

Think of the rope word fune hidden inside funicular to remember it is about cables.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

take the funicular a funicular railway ride the funicular funicular cable

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “funicular” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We took the _____ up the hillside to save climbing the steps.

Etymology

Funicular comes from the Latin funiculus, meaning a thin cord, itself a diminutive of funis, meaning rope. The word was formed by adding the ending -ar to this root, giving the sense of something to do with a rope or cable.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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funicular railway cliff railway

Rhymes for funicular

ocular insular regular secular tubular angular jugular popular modular singular circular cellular

See all rhymes for funicular →

Frequently asked questions

What is a funicular?

It is a type of railway on a steep incline where two cars, linked by a cable, move in opposite directions and balance each other's weight.

How does a funicular work?

The two cars are connected by a single cable running over a pulley system, so as one car descends it helps pull the other car up.

Is funicular only used for railways?

No, as an adjective it can describe anything to do with a rope or cable, not just the railway itself.

What is the meaning of funicular?

"funicular" (noun) means a railway on a steep slope in which two linked cars, joined by a cable, move up and down at the same time and counterbalance each other.