Burrow: Definition, Usage & Animal Examples

Meaning 1：dig a hole for shelter (burrow)

burrow 🔊

/ˈbɜːroʊ/

To dig a hole in the ground to live in or hide, like animals do.

Burrow definition illustrated by a fox digging a hole in a meadow for shelter.

dig a hole for shelter 🔊

➕

/dɪɡ ə hoʊl fɔr ˈʃɛltər/

To excavate a hole or tunnel in the ground, typically for habitation or concealment, as done by animals.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'beorgan' (to protect), related to 'bury'.

💡 Mnemonic

BURROW sounds like 'borrow' – animals borrow the ground to make safe homes.

📖 Example

The squirrel worked all afternoon to burrow a hole under the big oak tree for its winter storage. 🔊 The squirrel spent the afternoon digging a hole under the oak tree to store food for winter.

🔗 Collocations

burrow into – to dig or tunnel into something

burrow a hole – to excavate a hole

burrow deep – to dig deeply

🔄 Synonyms

dig (v.) – to break up and move earth

tunnel (v.) – to dig or make a passage underground

excavate (v.) – to make a hole by digging

🚫 Antonyms

emerge (v.) – to come out into view from a concealed place

fill (v.) – to make something full, opposite of digging

🌱 Derivatives

burrower (n.) – an animal that digs burrows

burrowing (adj.) – related to or characterized by digging holes

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old English 'beorgan' meaning to protect or hide, evolving to describe animals digging holes for shelter, commonly used in wildlife contexts.