Definition

A rail tunnel that is built under the English Channel, linking England and France.

Example

The chunnel makes it easy to travel between the UK and France by train.

Conversation

Have you ever traveled through the chunnel to France?

Yeah, I did it last summer! It was such a unique experience.

I’ve heard it’s really fast since it's a train under the ocean.

Definitely! The chunnel makes the journey super convenient.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chunnel is a portmanteau formed from "Channel" (referring to the English Channel) and "tunnel" (from Old French *tonel*, meaning a passage or tunnel). The word "chunnel" refers to the tunnel that runs beneath the English Channel, connecting England and France.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Channel' where the tunnel is located and 'tunnel' as the passage itself — together, they create the 'chunnel' that connects two lands.

Visually Confused Words