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Added 9 October 2026

funnel

/ˈfʌnəl/ noun

In Latin: fundibulum, infundibulum Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about funnel at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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

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.

noun

Alternative form of fummel (“hybrid animal”).

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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