Funnel

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Funnel

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FUN-ul  /ˈfʌn(ə)l/

Definition

As a noun: a tube or pipe wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for guiding liquid or powder into a small opening; a chimney on a ship or steam engine; the process by which something is concentrated into a narrower channel. As a verb: to move or direct through or as if through a funnel.

Plain meaning

A funnel is the cone-shaped device used to pour liquids into narrow openings. To funnel something means to direct it through a narrow channel — you can funnel money into a project or funnel traffic through a single route.

Register

Neutral and everyday in physical and metaphorical contexts. Technical and standard in marketing, sales, and engineering.