funnel

noun

fun·nel | \ ˈfə-nᵊl

Definition of funnel

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow

b : something shaped like a funnel

2 : a stack or flue for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)

funnel

verb

funneled also funnelled; funneling also funnelling

Definition of funnel (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to have or take the shape of a funnel

2 : to pass through or as if through a funnel or conduit the crowd funnels through the doors

transitive verb

1 : to form in the shape of a funnel funneled his hands and shouted through them

2 : to move to a focal point or into a conduit or central channel contributions were funneled into one account

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about funnel

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Examples of funnel in a Sentence

Noun

the funnel cloud of a tornado

Verb

Winds funneled through the canyon. Smoke funneled up the chimney. The crowd funneled through the doors. He funneled the gas into the tank. They funneled money into the campaign. The information was being secretly funneled to the head of the organization.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Additional funnels were reported as the storm moved east of Des Moines past Altoona, Prairie City and Colfax. — Samuel Chamberlain, Fox News, "Injuries reported after tornado slams Iowa factory," 19 July 2018 The SheWee funnel and extender tube, like the Freshette’s, can be disassembled and stored. — Anna Callaghan, Outside Online, "Our Favorite Pee Funnels," 6 June 2018 More successful was a s’mores variant that looked like French fries and gravy — addictive fried strips of funnel cake bathed in a deep chocolate sauce, backed up by thick slabs of marshmallow. — Tim Smith, baltimoresun.com, "A dessert disguised as a potted plant, and more surprises at Blair's on Hudson," 30 May 2018 At the time, Soviet prison guards restrained hunger strikers in a chair and used a funnel and tube to administer a mix of meat bouillon, boiled grains and raw egg, Mr. Grigoryants said. — Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, "Hunger Strike Creates Unwanted Backdrop for Russia During World Cup," 16 June 2018 At the center is a steely rendering of a funnel with bees spilling over the edge. — Victoria Dalkey, sacbee, "Jack Alvarez explores his cultural roots in poetic images," 22 June 2018 In a common design, one end of a jar-like glass vessel was shaped like a funnel leading inside to a main chamber. — C.j. Chivers, Popular Mechanics, "Meet the Man Glassblowing These Gorgeous Retro Fishing Lures," 26 Apr. 2016 First, hollow out tall white pumpkin from top (make hole smaller than opening of funnel). Carve eyes and mouth. — Woman's Day Staff, Woman's Day, "50+ Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Halloween," 25 July 2018 For this mashup, Urick cooks dip Wick’s pie slices in funnel cake batter, deep-fry them and then cover them with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce. — Liz Biro, Indianapolis Star, "Insane new Indiana State Fair foods that will complete your summer," 9 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

At Sterling, the Scots positioned themselves on one side of a bridge that funneled and neutralized the overwhelming English forces. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "'Outlaw King' vs. 'Braveheart': Which Movie Gets Scotland Right?," 13 Nov. 2018 Samuel Wasser, director of the UW Center for Conservation Biology, explains how DNA analysis has been used to trip up crime networks that funnel ivory to buyers around the world. — Sandi Doughton, The Seattle Times, "Who’s killing Africa’s elephants? UW study identifies ivory trafficking cartels," 24 Sep. 2018 The merger fuses a company that produces news and entertainment with one that funnels that programming to consumers. — Marcy Gordon, BostonGlobe.com, "Department of Justice appeals ruling that allowed AT&T-Time Warner merger," 12 July 2018 The merger fuses a company that produces news and entertainment with one that funnels that programming to consumers. — Marcy Gordon, chicagotribune.com, "Justice Department appealing judge's OK of AT&T-Time Warner merger," 12 July 2018 The Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program that funnels oil and gas lease revenue towards conservation, provided much of the purchase's funding. — Jordan Cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "Rare mammals, hiking and more: Forest Service adds 835 acres to Eldorado National Forest," 9 July 2018 Local politicians running on police reform platforms have been winning elections, and initiatives that funnel financial assistance to low-income and minority youths have been launched in Castile’s name. — Dan Simmons, Washington Post, "Two years after Philando Castile’s death, programs aim to transform relations between police, residents," 8 July 2018 An Indianapolis restaurant that funnels its profits to help feed food-insecure kids is coming to Downtown Indy. — Liz Biro, Indianapolis Star, "Another Patachou restaurant is coming to Downtown Indianapolis," 2 July 2018 Groups that funneled $6 million of anonymous campaign money into Missouri to help Eric Greitens’ campaign for governor in 2016 are now the subject of a complaint filed this week with the Federal Election Commission. — Jason Hancock, kansascity, "Dark-money groups that helped elect Eric Greitens now facing FEC complaint," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'funnel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

8 Feb 2019

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Time Traveler for funnel

The first known use of funnel was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for funnel

funnel

noun

English Language Learners Definition of funnel

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a device shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point

: something that is shaped like a funnel

: a large pipe on a ship through which smoke or steam comes out

funnel

verb

English Language Learners Definition of funnel (Entry 2 of 2)

: to pass through a funnel or a narrow opening

: to send (something, such as money) to someone or something in usually an indirect or secret way

See the full definition for funnel in the English Language Learners Dictionary

funnel

noun

fun·nel | \ ˈfə-nᵊl

Kids Definition of funnel

1 : a utensil usually shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point and used to catch and direct a downward flow

2 : a large pipe for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)

funnel

noun

fun·nel | \ ˈfən-ᵊl

Medical Definition of funnel

: a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow — see büchner funnel