# tunneling

/ˈtənəɫɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tunneling
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to move through a network or a system in a way that hides your path or your identity. It is often used to describe how data or people bypass security rules.

For teachers: to navigate through a network or system in a manner that obscures the origin or destination of the data. Often involves the use of a third-party server to mask the user's IP address or location.

## Examples

- The software allows tunneling of encrypted data across the internet.
- By using tunneling, the company can securely access its internal network while employees are working from home.
- Advanced tunneling protocols enable users to bypass geographic restrictions by routing their traffic through a foreign server, effectively masking their true location from the target website.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.