I. bur ‧ row 1 /ˈbʌrəʊ $ ˈbɜːroʊ/ BrE AmE verb
1 . [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] to make a hole or passage in the ground SYN dig down
burrow into/under/through etc
Mother turtles burrow into the sand to lay their eggs.
2 . [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to press your body close to someone or under something because you want to get warm or feel safe SYN nestle
burrow into/under/down etc
The child stirred and burrowed deeper into the bed.
burrow something into/against etc something
She burrowed her head into his shoulder.
3 . [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to search for something that is hidden in a container or under other things SYN rummage
burrow in/into/through etc
Helen burrowed in her bag for a handkerchief.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ dig to make a hole in the ground using your hands, a tool, or a machine:
Some workmen were digging a trench at the side of the road.
|
In Africa, the people know where to dig for water.
▪ make a hole to dig a hole in the ground, using your hands or a tool:
Make a hole just big enough for the plant’s roots.
▪ burrow /ˈbʌrəʊ $ ˈbɜːroʊ/ if an animal burrows, it makes a hole or a passage in the ground by digging the earth with its feet, nose etc:
The rabbits had burrowed a hole under the fence.
▪ plough British English , plow American English /plaʊ/ to turn over the soil using a machine or a tool pulled by animals, to prepare the soil for planting seeds:
The farmers here still plough their fields using buffaloes.
▪ excavate /ˈekskəveɪt/ formal to dig a large hole in the ground, especially as a preparation for building something:
The men began excavating the hole for the pool.
▪ bore to make a deep round hole in the ground using a special machine, especially in order to look for oil or water:
Companies need a special licence to bore for oil.
II. burrow 2 BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Origin: borough ]
a passage in the ground made by an animal such as a rabbit or ↑ fox as a place to live