What does burrowing mean?
"Burrowing" is the present participle and gerund of the verb "burrow," describing the action of digging holes or tunnels into the ground or another material. It applies most naturally to animals — rabbits, badgers, foxes, and countless insects create burrows for shelter, nesting, and protection from predators — but it also describes physical movement, as when a child burrows under blankets, or a dog burrows into the sofa cushions. Figuratively, it can suggest hiding oneself away from the world or investigating a topic with persistent depth, as in "she spent weeks burrowing into the company's financial records." The word carries vivid, tactile imagery and is common in nature writing, zoology, and everyday description alike. Its related family includes the noun "burrow," the agent noun "burrower," and the compound "burrowing owl," making it a versatile word wherever digging, hiding, or deep searching is involved.
Digging a hole or tunnel into the ground or another surface; moving into or beneath something in this manner.
"The fox was burrowing beneath the fence line to reach the henhouse."
Used both for literal animal digging and figuratively for hiding or investigating deeply.
The act or practice of digging burrows, considered as an activity.
"The rabbits' constant burrowing had undermined several sections of the embankment."
The burrowing owl doesn't dig its own burrows most of the time — it moves into tunnels abandoned by prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of burrowing
The verb "burrow" derives from Middle English "burou(e)," a variant related to "borough" (Old English "burg"), originally referring to a fortified place and later to a dwelling or shelter — so a burrow is, etymologically speaking, an animal's little stronghold. Cognates sharing this Germanic root include "borough," "bury," and "burgher." The word has been in continuous use since the Middle Ages, with "burrowing" emerging naturally as its participle form.
Related word forms
How burrowing is actually used
"Burrowing" is the -ing form of the verb "burrow," used both as a progressive verb form and as a noun (gerund). It carries neutral-to-positive connotations when describing animal behavior, and slightly negative or secretive ones in figurative uses such as "burrowing away in his room."
Easily confused with burrowing
"Borrowing" means taking and using something belonging to someone else, while "burrowing" means digging a hole or tunnel; the words look and sound similar but are unrelated in meaning.