1
a
: a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow
b
: something shaped like a funnel
2
: a stack or flue for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)
funneled also funnelled; funneling also funnelling
1
: to have or take the shape of a funnel
2
: to pass through or as if through a funnel or conduit
the crowd funnels through the doors
1
: to form in the shape of a funnel
funneled his hands and shouted through them
2
: to move to a focal point or into a conduit or central channel
contributions were funneled into one account
Synonyms
Examples of funnel in a Sentence
Noun
the funnel cloud of a tornado
Verb
Winds funneled through the canyon.
Smoke funneled up the chimney.
The crowd funneled through the doors.
He funneled the gas into the tank.
They funneled money into the campaign.
The information was being secretly funneled to the head of the organization.
Recent Examples on the Web
David Tal, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
The funnel narrowed dramatically after that, as only 45 players would advance to a sophomore season.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2024
Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
The two remain at large after allegedly funneling nearly $10 million into a media company based in Tennessee.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for funnel 
Noun
Speedy replies help drive customers down the sales funnel.
—David Tal, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
The funnel narrowed dramatically after that, as only 45 players would advance to a sophomore season.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2024
Verb
Forward looking CEOs would do well by funneling resources to tools, frameworks and processes that embed trust into the very fabric of their business.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
The two remain at large after allegedly funneling nearly $10 million into a media company based in Tennessee.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for funnel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'funnel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near funnel
Cite this Entry
“Funnel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/funnel. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
funnel
1 of 2 noun
fun·nel
ˈfən-ᵊl 
1
: a utensil usually shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point and used to catch and direct a downward flow (as of liquid)
2
: something shaped like a funnel
the funnel cloud of a tornado
3
: a large pipe for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)
funnel
2 of 2 verb
funneled also funnelled; funneling also funnelling
: to move or cause to move to a central point or into a central channel
Medical Definition
funnel
noun
fun·nel
ˈfən-ᵊl
: a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow see büchner funnel
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