tunnel

Everyday

1. A tunnel is a long passage under the ground, through a hill, or under water, for cars, trains or people. tree →
2. A tunnel is a passage dug by an animal, like a rabbit or mole. tree →
3. To tunnel is to dig a tunnel through or under something. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and technology, famous tunnels include the Channel Tunnel between England and France, and subway or Underground tunnels in big cities. In science, moles, rabbits, earthworms and ants make tunnels; earthworm tunnels help air and water get into soil. In safety, never play in drains, storm water tunnels or abandoned mine tunnels; they can flood or collapse. Phrases: «go through a tunnel», «dig a tunnel», «light at the end of the tunnel» (hope that a hard time will end), «tunnel vision».

Examples

• The train went through a long tunnel. tree →
• The Channel Tunnel goes under the sea. tree →
• Moles dig tunnels under the lawn. tree →
• The children crawled through the play tunnel. tree →
• Earthworms tunnel through the soil. tree →
• The prisoners tunnelled out of the castle. tree →
• There's light at the end of the tunnel. tree →
• Never go into storm drain tunnels. tree →
• Suddenly there came along a great water-rat that lived in the tunnel. tree →

Note

Plural tunnels. Past: «tunnelled» (UK, Australia, NZ) or «tunneled» (USA). A tunnel goes through or under; a bridge goes over.