tunnel
UK: ˈtʌn(ə)l | US: ˈtʌn(ə)l
n. an underground or underwater passage, typically for vehicles or pedestrians
vt. to dig or make a passage through or under something
The word "tunnel" originates from the Old French word tonel, meaning "barrel" or "cask," derived from tune (a large vessel). The diminutive suffix -el was added, likening the shape of a tunnel to a small barrel or pipe. Over time, the meaning shifted from the container itself to the hollow, cylindrical passage it resembled. This reflects the word's evolution from a concrete object to an abstract spatial concept.
The train sped through the dark tunnel under the mountain.
Engineers plan to tunnel beneath the river to build a new subway line.
The rabbit dug a narrow tunnel to escape the predator.
The project involves tunneling through solid rock, which will take months.
Light at the end of the tunnel gave the hikers hope.