Meaning & use
funneled
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“funneled” is a form of “funnel”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
Past tense and past participle of 'funnel': to move something through a narrow space or into a small area.
Grammar: Can take an object: they funneled money to the project. Can also be used without an object: traffic funneled into one lane.
Patterns
- funneled something into something
- funneled something through something
- funneled money to someone
The crowd funneled through the single open gate.
They funneled the funds into a new training program.
Cold air funneled down the valley during the night.
verbtransitive
Past tense and past participle of 'funnel': to pour liquid into a container using a funnel.
Grammar: Takes an object: she funneled the oil into the bottle.
Patterns
- funneled something into something
He funneled the gasoline into the tank carefully.
She funneled the sauce into a small jar.
Word forms
| base form | funnel |
|---|---|
| third person singular | funnels |
| past tense | funneled |
| past participle | funneled |
| -ing form | funneling |
Common combinations
- funneled money into
- The company funneled money into research and development.
- funneled through
- The hikers funneled through a narrow gap in the rocks.
- funneled down
- Rainwater funneled down the street toward the drains.
- funneled into the tunnel
- The cars funneled into the tunnel one by one.
Synonyms and how they differ
- channeled
- Very close in meaning, but often used for directing money, effort, or energy rather than physical movement through a narrow space.
- poured
- Used for liquids; it does not suggest a narrow passage the way 'funneled' does.
Word family
- funnel noun
- A cone-shaped tool used for pouring liquid into a small opening; also a tube or chimney.
- funneling verb
- The -ing form: the act of moving something through a narrow space.
Commonly confused: funneled or funnelled?
funneled vs funnelled
This is the British spelling of the same word. Both are correct; use 'funneled' in American English and 'funnelled' in British English.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'funneled' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Funneled' means moved through a narrow space or poured through a funnel, so option 0 fits. The other options use 'funneled' with meanings it does not have.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “funneled”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.