funnel Meaning & Definition
What Does Funnel Mean?
Funnel is used as a noun meaning A utensil in the shape of an inverted hollow cone terminating in a narrow pipe, for channeling liquids or granular material; typically used when transferring said substances from any container into ones with a significantly smaller opening. It is also used to mean A passage or avenue for a fluid or flowing substance; specifically, a smoke flue or pipe; the chimney of a steamship or the like. As a verb, it means To use a funnel.
Funnel: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈfʌnəl// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | funnel shape |
| Plural | funnels |
| Verb forms | funnels, and past participle |
Funnel Definition (Noun)
- A utensil in the shape of an inverted hollow cone terminating in a narrow pipe, for channeling liquids or granular material; typically used when transferring said substances from any container into ones with a significantly smaller opening.
- A passage or avenue for a fluid or flowing substance; specifically, a smoke flue or pipe; the chimney of a steamship or the like.
- Ellipsis of purchase funnel (“the process of customer acquisition conceptualized as a series of stages, from initial awareness (top) to sale or conversion (bottom)”).
top of (the) funnel marketing
- Ellipsis of funnel cloud.
Funnel as a Verb
- To use a funnel.
- To proceed through a narrow gap or passageway akin to a funnel; to condense or narrow.
Expect delays where the traffic funnels down to one lane.
- To channel, direct, or focus (emotions, money, resources, etc.).
Our taxes are being funnelled into pointless government initiatives.
- To consume (beer, etc.) rapidly through a funnel, typically as a stunt at a party.
Noun
- Alternative form of fummel (“hybrid animal”).
Noun
- A hinny; hybrid of male horse and female donkey.
Synonyms of Funnel
Funnel synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Funnel
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Funnel in a Sentence
top of (the) funnel marketing
Expect delays where the traffic funnels down to one lane.
Our taxes are being funnelled into pointless government initiatives.
Word Forms & Grammar
funnel (plural funnels)
funnel (third-person singular simple present funnels, present participle (US) funneling or (UK) funnelling, simple past and past participle (US) funneled or (UK) funnelled)
Words That Rhyme With Funnel
Origin of Funnel
From Middle English funell, fonel, probably through Old French *founel (compare Middle French fonel, Old Occitan fonilh, enfounilh), from Latin fundibulum, infundibulum (“funnel”), from infundere (“to pour in”); in (“in”) + fundere (“to pour”); compare Breton founilh (“funnel”), Welsh ffynel (“air hole, chimney”). See fuse.
Funnel Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of funnel is //ˈfʌnəl//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Funnel
Is funnel a noun or a verb?
Funnel is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for funnel?
Words with a similar meaning to funnel include funnel shape. See the full list of funnel synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of funnel?
The plural of funnel is funnels.
What is the past tense of funnel?
The past tense of funnel is and past participle.