noun
Uncommon
funnel
FUH-nuhl
Funnel (noun) means a cone-shaped tool with a narrow tube, used to pour liquids or powders into a small opening. Example: “She used a funnel to pour the oil into the car's engine.”
noun
1
A cone-shaped tool with a narrow tube, used to pour liquids or powders into a small opening.
"She used a funnel to pour the oil into the car's engine."
verb
1
To direct or channel something through a narrow path, or to focus resources toward one goal.
"The charity funneled all its donations into disaster relief."
"Rush-hour traffic funneled into a single lane at the bridge."
How to use funnel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cone-shaped tool for guiding liquid into a narrow opening, or (as a verb) to direct something narrowly toward one place.
Common pairings
funnel money into
sales funnel
pour through a funnel
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- funnels
- Past tense
- funneled, funnelled
Fill the gap
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She used a _____ to pour the oil into the car's engine.
Etymology
From Middle English funell, likely via Old French, ultimately from Latin infundibulum ("funnel"), from infundere ("to pour in").
Synonyms
View more →
funnel shape
Related words
Rhymes for funnel
See all rhymes for funnel →Frequently asked questions
What does “funnel” mean?
The word “funnel” means a cone-shaped tool with a narrow tube, used to pour liquids or powders into a small opening. In plain terms, a cone-shaped tool for guiding liquid into a narrow opening, or (as a verb) to direct something narrowly toward one place.
How do you pronounce “funnel”?
“Funnel” is pronounced FUH-nuhl (/ˈfʌnəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “funnel” in a sentence?
Here is “funnel” used in a sentence: “She used a funnel to pour the oil into the car's engine.”
What part of speech is “funnel”?
Depending on how it is used, “funnel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “funnel” come from?
The word “funnel” comes from Latin. From Middle English funell, likely via Old French, ultimately from Latin infundibulum ("funnel"), from infundere ("to pour in").
Is “funnel” a common word?
“Funnel” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “funnel” have?
“Funnel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cone-shaped tool with a narrow tube, used to pour liquids or powders into a small opening.
