What Does Burrow Mean

What Does Burrow Mean

Burrow means a hole or tunnel dug into the ground by an animal, or the act of digging such a shelter. As a verb, it also describes pushing through something with effort, like wriggling into a tight space.

Burrow as a Noun

In its noun form, a burrow is the underground home an animal creates. Rabbits, moles, and groundhogs dig burrows to sleep, raise young, and hide from predators. A burrow typically has a main tunnel with side chambers for nesting and food storage.

Burrow as a Verb

When used as a verb, burrow means to dig a hole or to move by digging. A dog might burrow into a blanket, or a squirrel will burrow into the soil to hide nuts. The word implies using paws, claws, or a snout to move material out of the way.

Animals That Burrow

Many animals rely on burrows for survival. Prairie dogs build complex underground towns called colonies. Badgers dig deep burrows called setts. Even some insects, like ants and beetles, create small burrows in soil or wood.

Word Origin

The word burrow likely comes from the Old English burh or burh, meaning a fortified place, which connects to the idea of a safe, enclosed space underground. Over time, the spelling shifted to burrow, but the core idea of a hidden shelter stayed the same.