WordGarden.ioburrow
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʌrəʊ/
US
- /ˈbɜroʊ/
Meanings
Noun
a hole or tunnel dug by an animal for shelter
Verb
to dig or make a hole or tunnel, especially as an animal
to push or move into, under, or through something
to search or study deeply and persistently
Beyond the definition
Think of rabbits! A burrow is the home they dig underground—a network of tunnels and chambers where they live and raise their families. But it's not just for bunnies. Animals like foxes, badgers, and even prairie dogs create burrows to shelter themselves from predators and harsh weather.
Humans can burrow into things too. If you burrow deep into your blankets on a cold morning, you're seeking warmth and comfort. You might also burrow through a messy drawer, meaning to dig around and search for something specific. The word stays close to its original sense of digging and settling in for safety.
A burrow is a hole or tunnel dug by an animal as a dwelling. It's usually more than a single opening; it can be a system of underground passages with entrances and chambers used for sleeping, raising young, storing food, and escaping danger. Think of prairie dog networks—entire "towns" built beneath the ground!
While most commonly associated with animals like rabbits, foxes, and badgers, burrow is also used as a verb to describe human behavior: moving gradually into something by pushing, searching, or tucking in.
To burrow means to dig or make a hole, but it can also mean to push or work your way into something. You might burrow through a crowded closet to find an old coat, or burrow yourself under a pile of books while studying. In these uses it suggests taking deliberate, persistent action to get to something protected or hidden.
You'll often see burrow in descriptions of wildlife: "The fox disappeared into its burrow," or "Badgers create elaborate burrows with multiple exits." You also see it for people: "She burrowed into a stack of blankets to stay warm," or "He burrowed through a pile of documents searching for one report." The image is always about persistence, depth, and shelter.
Examples
- 1
Animal home
The rabbit disappeared into its burrow when it heard us coming.
- 2
Farm field
The farmer found several burrows along the edge of the field.
- 3
Animal digging
A mole had burrowed under the lawn and left small piles of dirt behind.
- 4
Warmth and comfort
She burrowed into the blankets and was asleep in minutes.
- Patternburrow into + place/material
move deep inside it, usually for warmth or comfort
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Searching files
He burrowed through the old files until he found the letter.
- Patternburrow through + things
search through them by pushing deeply into them
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- burrownounverb
Forms
- burrowspluralnounverb
- burrowing-ing formverbnoun
- burrowedpast tenseverbnoun