burrow (English)

Where does "burrow" come from?

The word 'burrow' shares an intriguing history with 'borough,' both stemming from the Old English 'burh' and the Proto-Germanic 'burgz,' which originally referred to a fortified stronghold or place of protection. Over time, the meaning shifted from a secure, high-walled dwelling to the earth-covered refuge dug by animals. This evolution likely connects to two deep Proto-Indo-European roots: one meaning 'to rise high' and another meaning 'to protect and preserve.'

Full etymology tree

burrow (English), 'A tunnel or hole, often as dug by a small creature.'
- derived burgh (Middle English)
  - inherited burh (Old English), 'alternative form of burg'
    - inherited *burg (Proto-West Germanic), 'fortification'
      - inherited *burgz (Proto-Germanic), 'fortification, stronghold'
        inherited *bʰérǵʰs (Proto-Indo-European), 'something high up, fortified'
        derived *bʰerǵʰ- (Proto-Indo-European), 'to rise up, ascend'
        affix *-s (Proto-Indo-European), 'Derives feminine mobile-accented root nouns from roots.'
        inherited *bʰergʰ- (Proto-Indo-European), 'to safeguard, to protect'

Direct ancestors

Updated July 2026

Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris