Tunneled

The past tense and past participle of the verb 'tunnel,' meaning to create a passage or passageway, often underground or through a solid object, by digging, boring, or blasting. It implies navigating a confined space, typically for transportation, exploration, or utility purposes. The process involves excavating material to form a subterranean or enclosed route. The resulting tunnel provides a sheltered and often more direct path than would be available on the surface. This action facilitates traversing obstacles, connecting points, and accessing otherwise inaccessible areas. The scale of tunneling can range from small burrows made by animals to vast engineering feats.

Tunneled meaning with examples

• The relentless rain continued for days, eventually causing the river to overflow its banks. The rising water tunneled under the foundations of the old bridge, gradually weakening its support structures, before its inevitable collapse into the torrent below, ultimately resulting in severe traffic issues.
• Driven by a primal instinct, the prairie dog tunneled deep beneath the arid plains, constructing an intricate network of burrows and chambers. These hidden pathways served as a sanctuary from predators and a secure place to raise their young, allowing them to thrive in a challenging environment.
• During the gold rush, miners tunneled through mountains in search of precious veins of ore. Using picks, shovels, and later, dynamite, they carved out narrow passages, hoping to strike it rich. Their efforts reshaped the landscape, leaving behind a legacy of forgotten shafts and tunnels.
• Engineers carefully tunneled beneath the city, laying pipelines for water and sewage. The underground network, concealed from view, efficiently transported essential resources, allowing the bustling metropolis to function seamlessly and efficiently. The infrastructure was vital.