channel
/ˈtʃænəl/
The word evokes the image of a guided path or a conduit that directs flow from one point to another. Whether it is water in a seabed, electricity in a wire, or information through a medium, the central theme is controlled movement along a specific trajectory. In modern contexts, it often describes the mechanism of delivery. In business and media, it refers to the 'pipe' through which a product or message reaches an audience, shifting the focus from the content itself to the method of transmission. As a verb, it suggests a deliberate redirection of energy or emotion. It implies a conscious effort to take a raw force—like anger or creativity—and funnel it into a productive or specific outcome, distinguishing it from simply 'expressing' an emotion.
Countable when referring to a specific TV station or a geographical waterway. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of a medium of transmission.
💬Casual Conversation
Need to channel our collective bandwidth for the Q3 sprint. Let's touch base.
Channel? Like, surfing the net? My brain's kinda wiped, dude.
Meanings
A length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas of water.
"The English Channel separates England from France."
A television station or a specific frequency for broadcasting.
"Switch the channel to see the news."
A narrow passage or groove through which a liquid or signal flows.
"The rainwater flowed through a small channel in the dirt."
A medium or means of communication or expression.
"Social media has become a primary channel for political campaigning."
To direct something toward a particular end or object.
"She tried to channel her anger into her artwork."
Collocations & Compounds
English channel
The body of water separating Southern England from northern France.
They swam across the English Channel.
shipping channel
A deep part of a river or harbor where ships can travel.
The dredger is widening the shipping channel.
water channel
A passage through which water flows.
The floodwaters carved a new water channel.
communication channel
A means of transmitting or receiving information.
We need to establish a direct communication channel.
TV channel
A specific frequency or range of frequencies used for broadcasting television programs.
What's your favorite TV channel?
Phrasal Verbs
channel into
To direct (something) towards a particular purpose or activity.
She decided to channel her energy into her studies.
channel through
To send or pass something through a particular place or system.
The funds were channeled through a series of shell companies.
Idioms & Sayings
in the same channel
In the same way or following the same pattern, especially when referring to communication or thought processes.
Their ideas are always in the same channel; they never come up with anything new.
through the proper channels
By following the correct official procedures or methods.
If you have a complaint, you must go through the proper channels.
Etymology
The word 'channel' originates from Old French 'canal' and Latin 'canalis', meaning 'waterway' or 'pipe'. It entered English in the 14th century, initially referring to a watercourse. Its meaning broadened over time to include any conduit or passage, including figurative ones for communication or broadcasting.