# channels

/ˈtʃænəɫz/ (US) · /tʃˈænəlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/channels
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. television or radio

noun · CEFR A2

the different stations you can watch on TV or listen to on the radio.

For teachers: multiple broadcasting frequencies or digital streams dedicated to specific programming.

- We have over two hundred channels on our satellite TV service.
- The rise of streaming services has significantly disrupted the traditional model of linear television channels, forcing networks to adapt their content delivery strategies.

### 2. official communication

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the official ways that information or orders move through a company or government.

For teachers: formalised systems or routes through which information, instructions, or requests are transmitted within an organisation.

- If you have a complaint, you must go through the proper channels.
- The diplomatic mission attempted to resolve the border dispute through back-room channels before making a formal public statement to the press.

### 3. waterways

noun · CEFR B1

natural or man-made paths that water flows through.

For teachers: physical conduits or passages, either natural or artificial, through which liquids or signals are directed.

- The heavy rain carved small channels into the dry soil of the garden.
- Engineers designed a series of underground channels to divert excess floodwater away from the residential districts during the monsoon season.

## Examples

- You should use the official channels to report the problem.
- The government is using diplomatic channels to resolve the trade dispute without further conflict.
- By diversifying their marketing channels, the startup managed to reach a global audience while maintaining a relatively modest advertising budget.

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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.