Definition

Adjective - Shaped like a funnel; having a conical, tube-like form that narrows from a wide opening to a small one. - The funnelled passage directed the water into a single stream. (The passage was shaped like a funnel.)

Verb (past tense of "funnel") - To have passed through or directed something through a narrow opening or channel. - The crowd funnelled through the single doorway. (The crowd moved in a narrow, directed stream.) - To have channeled or directed something (e.g., resources, information) toward a specific target. - The charity funnelled all donations to the disaster relief fund. (The charity directed all donations to a specific purpose.)

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The funnelled shape of the container made it easy to pour liquid. (The container had a narrow, conical shape.)
  • A funnelled cloud formation appeared on the horizon. (The cloud had a funnel-like shape.)

• Verb:

  • They funnelled the rainwater into a barrel for storage. (They directed the water through a narrow channel.)
  • The company funnelled its profits into research and development. (The company directed its profits toward a specific goal.)

Advanced Usage

• "Funnelled into": used to describe the concentrated movement of people, things, or abstract concepts.
  • All the traffic was funnelled into a single lane during construction. (Traffic was directed into one narrow lane.)
• "Funnelled through": emphasizes the passage through a restrictive or narrowing path.
  • The data was funnelled through a secure server before analysis. (Data was channeled through a specific, controlled route.)

Variants and Related Words

• Funnel (noun): a tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for guiding liquid or powder into a small opening.
  • She used a funnel to pour oil into the bottle. (A tool with a funnelled shape.)
• Funnelling (verb, present participle): the act of directing something through a funnel or narrow channel.
  • The police were funnelling protesters away from the main square. (Directing them through a controlled path.)

Synonyms

• Channeled: directed through a specific course or passage.
• Concentrated: brought together into a smaller area or focus.
• Narrowed: made narrower in shape or scope.

Related Idioms

• "Funnelled into a bottleneck": a situation where movement or flow is restricted, causing congestion.
  • The narrow hallway funnelled the crowd into a bottleneck, slowing everyone down. (The crowd was forced into a tight, slow-moving line.)

Note on Spelling

• "Funnelled" (with double 'l') is the British English spelling. The American English equivalent is "funneled" (single 'l'). Both are correct and have the same meaning.