spell funnel

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   The act of writing or saying the letters of the word 'funnel' in the correct order.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase with 'funnel' as the object: spell 'funnel' correctly.

   Patterns

   • spell 'funnel'
   • spell funnel correctly

   Can you spell funnel without looking at the dictionary?

   The teacher asked the class to spell funnel aloud.

   I always spell funnel with two n's in the middle.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A funnel-shaped area or pattern, especially one formed by letters or by weather conditions.

   Grammar: Countable noun; plural is 'spell funnels'. Often used in technical writing.

   Patterns

   • a spell funnel
   • the spell funnel of a storm

   The radar showed a spell funnel forming over the ocean.

   In calligraphy, a spell funnel is a decorative swirl at the end of a letter.

Word forms

Common combinations

spell funnel correctly

It is important to spell funnel correctly in the report.

spell funnel aloud

The child could spell funnel aloud without hesitation.

a spell funnel cloud

A spell funnel cloud appeared on the horizon.

Synonyms and how they differ

funnel cloud

The usual weather term for a rotating cloud that looks like a funnel; 'spell funnel' is not standard for this.

spelling

The general word for how letters are arranged; 'spell funnel' is a specific phrase about the word 'funnel'.

Word family

funnel noun

A tube that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for pouring liquids.

funnel verb

To move or guide something through a narrow space.

spell verb

To write or say the letters of a word in order.

Commonly confused: spell funnel or funnel cloud?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “spell funnel”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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