Burrow

/ˈbʌroʊ/

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To make a hole or tunnel, typically in the ground, as a shelter or for concealment.

/ˈbʌroʊ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To dig a hole or tunnel

The fox burrowed into the earth.

💡 Simply: To dig a hole to hide or live in.

More Examples

2

The workers burrowed through the dense forest.

How It's Used

Animals

"Rabbits burrow underground to escape predators."

Construction

"The engineers burrowed through the mountain to build the tunnel."

2

A hole or tunnel dug by an animal for shelter or habitation.

/ˈbʌroʊ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A hole or tunnel dug by an animal

The rabbit's burrow was hidden among the bushes.

💡 Simply: An animal's home in the ground.

More Examples

2

We found a fox burrow near the woods.

How It's Used

Nature

"The badger emerged from its burrow."

Tip:Picture an animal's cozy 'burrow' underground.

From Middle English borwe, from Old English borh, meaning "a surety, pledge, guarantee," later referring to a hole or shelter. The modern meaning evolved from the idea of something providing security and shelter.

While the modern usage focuses on animal dwellings, its etymological roots highlight a sense of safety and security.

Memory tip

Think of a rabbit 'burrowing' into its hole.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"a surety, pledge, guarantee"

burrow intoburrow under

Common misspellings

burrowwburroburrowed

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written