burrow
burrow Lexical Profile
burrow Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A hole or tunnel dug in the ground by a small animal, such as a rabbit, mole, or fox, used as a dwelling or place of refuge.
"The startled rabbit darted across the meadow and vanished into its underground burrow."
A cozy, secluded, or sheltered place used as a retreat or hideaway.
"During the winter storm, he stayed in his warm burrow of blankets and read all afternoon."
• verb
To dig a hole or tunnel into or under something, especially the ground.
"Earthworms burrow deep into the soil, which helps aerate the garden beds."
To press oneself closely or snugly into or under something for warmth, comfort, or concealment.
"The sleepy puppy tried to burrow under the sofa cushions to get warm."
To search deeply or investigate thoroughly, as if by digging through layers of material or information.
"She had to burrow through boxes of old family records to find her grandfather's birth certificate."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'burrow' (an animal tunnel or the act of digging) with its homophone 'borough' (an administrative division of a city or town) or the similar-sounding 'burro' (a small donkey).
• Rhymes for burrow
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'borow', a variant of 'burgh' (fortress or shelter), ultimately tracing back to Old English 'burg' and a Proto-Germanic root meaning to protect or conceal.