burrow

USAGE SUMMARY

"burrow" is a correct and widely used word in written English.
It can be used as both a noun and a verb, and it typically means "to dig a hole or tunnel through the ground, especially for a small animal or insect to live in." For example: The rabbit burrowed a tunnel in the garden to create a safe place to live.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grassland and tundra owls nest on the ground, sometimes on an elevated hummock, and the burrowing owl digs a nest chamber in a rodent burrow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fibres were the product of mysterious creatures that burrow and breed in the body.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I've seen one burrow into a pad," adds another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As it had no door handles either, her eight-year-old, Floyd, would have to climb in through the back window and burrow through the rubbish to release the doors.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, they just burrow through them to get at the roots they eat.In this section Poisoned inheritance A warm little pond?

The Economist

But it also gives malicious hackers an easy way to burrow deeper into people's lives.

The Economist

But the suspicion is that Muammar Qaddafi would not have agreed to the trial unless he had received assurances that the process would be unlikely to burrow its way to the very top of those services.

The Economist

Give him a word, and he would burrow joyously into its etymology.

The Economist

Hamas too will think much harder next time it is tempted to burrow under the border to kidnap Israeli soldiers, or to pop its rockets off at Ashkelon or Beersheba.

The Economist

Her mother was not only a spider a reference to her career as a weaver and repairer of tapestries but a "She-Fox", a huge-breasted creature of enduring stone squatting on haunches under which Louise tried to burrow, like a worm.

The Economist

Rather than talk, it prefers to burrow away at problems ranging from climate change to North Korea without pretending that these disparate efforts are connected by some overarching vision.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "burrow" in scientific writing, ensure you specify the agent doing the burrowing and the material being burrowed into for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "burrow" metaphorically in formal contexts where more precise terms like "investigate" or "analyze" would be more appropriate. Overuse can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "burrow" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it describes the act of digging a tunnel or hole. As a noun, it refers to the tunnel or hole itself. Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

31%

News & Media

57%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "burrow" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to describe the creation or existence of underground tunnels or shelters. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is very commonly used. Analysis of its occurrence in different sources reveals that it is most frequently found in encyclopedias and news media, with neutral register. To use "burrow" effectively, specify the agent and material. Avoid overusing it metaphorically in formal contexts. Related terms include "excavate" and "tunnel", each offering a slightly different nuance. In summary, "burrow" is a reliable and widely understood term with broad application across multiple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burrow into

Implies going deep inside, just like an animal goes into its burrow.

excavate

Focuses on the process of digging or removing earth, similar to creating a burrow.

tunnel

Highlights the creation of a tunnel or underground passage, akin to what a burrow provides.

make a den

Refers to creating a shelter, which is often the purpose of a burrow.

dig a hole

Emphasizes the act of creating a hole, a primary action in making a burrow.

undermine

Suggests digging or wearing away at something beneath, much like a burrow affects the ground.

delve into

Implies a deep investigation or exploration, mirroring how one might enter a burrow.

dig deep

Focuses on intensive digging, either literally or figuratively.

root around

Suggests searching thoroughly, as if digging through something.

nestle

Suggests settling comfortably or snugly, like in a burrow.

FAQs

How to use "burrow" in a sentence?

"Burrow" can be used as a verb, meaning to dig a hole or tunnel. For example, "The rabbit burrowed into the ground." It can also be a noun, referring to the hole or tunnel itself. For example, "The rabbit lives in a burrow."

What can I say instead of "burrow"?

You can use alternatives like "excavate", "tunnel", or "dig a hole", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "burrow" or "borough"?

"Burrow" refers to a hole or tunnel dug by an animal, or the act of digging such a hole. "Borough" refers to an administrative division of a city or town. They have different meanings and are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "burrow" and "den"?

A "burrow" is a hole or tunnel dug by an animal, primarily for shelter. A "den" is a more general term for a sheltered place where an animal lives, which could be a natural cave, a constructed nest, or even a "burrow".