English Reference
noun · verb

channel

n. · v.
US /ˈtʃænəɫ/ UK /tʃˈænəl/ chan·nel

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a specific station or frequency used for broadcasting television or radio programmes.

    n.a specific radio frequency or band of frequencies allocated for the transmission of television or radio signals.

    Simple

    He changed the channel to watch the news after the movie finished.

    In context

    The broadcaster secured a new digital channel to host its dedicated sports coverage and live events.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a passage of water, such as a narrow sea between two land masses or the deep part of a river.

    n.a narrow body of water between two land masses, or the navigable part of a river or harbour.

    Simple

    The ferry crossed the channel between the two islands in under an hour.

    In context

    Large cargo ships must stay within the deep-water channel to avoid running aground on the shifting sandbars.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Business

    n.a way of sending information or selling products to people.

    n.a means of communication or a route through which goods are passed from the manufacturer to the consumer.

    Simple

    The company uses social media as its main channel for customer service.

    In context

    Management established formal channels for employees to report grievances without fear of professional retaliation.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    n.a specific page or area on a website, like YouTube or a chat app, where content is posted.

    n.a dedicated area or account on a digital platform for broadcasting content or hosting group discussions.

    Simple

    She started a YouTube channel to share her cooking recipes with the world.

    In context

    The developers created a dedicated Slack channel to coordinate the final stages of the software launch.

    feedchat room
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to direct money, effort, or feelings toward a particular goal.

    v.to direct or guide something along a desired course or toward a specific objective.

    Simple

    The government decided to channel more money into public education.

    In context

    She learned to channel her competitive energy into her professional development rather than personal rivalries.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to act like or follow the style of a famous person.

    v.to follow as a model or serve as a medium for a particular personality or style, especially in a performance.

    Simple

    In her new photoshoot, the actress seemed to channel Marilyn Monroe.

    In context

    The designer's latest collection appeared to channel the minimalist aesthetic of the early 1990s.

Usage communication channel


Etymology 1

From being a channel.

Etymology 2

Named after the Channel Islands, from where settlers once came from, in the early 18th-century. The Channel Islands are located in the English Channel, a strait (channel) separating the island of Great Britain from the coast of mainland Europe.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated