Channel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈcha-nᵊl/ chan·nel

Meaning & Definition of Channel

Channel (noun)

  1. the bed where a natural stream of water runs
  2. the deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait
  3. a strait or narrow sea between two close landmasses
  4. one of the flat ledges of heavy plank or metal bolted edgewise to the outside of a ship to increase the spread of the shrouds

Channel (verb)

  1. to form, cut, or wear a channel in
  2. to make a groove in
  3. to convey or direct into or through a channel

Channel (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an open man-made passageway for water

    "water was drained from the swamp through a specially constructed channel"

  2. a narrow body of water between two land masses

    "the world record for swimming the channel between France and Great Britain"

    similar: narrows, neck, sound, strait
  3. a direct way of passing along information or supplies

    "you need to make arrangements through the proper channels"

    similar: pipeline
  4. a long hollow cylinder for carrying a substance (as a liquid or gas)

    "had to replace the main water channel"

  5. a person who claims to speak with or for the spirits of the dead

    "the channel went into a trance and began speaking in what was purported to be the voice of the deceased woman"

Channel (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway

    "an athletic youth who channeled all of his energy into sports"

Related Entry: Channeler (noun)

Channeler is a different word from Channel. The synonyms below are for channeler, not for channel.

  1. a person who claims to speak with or for the spirits of the dead

    "a channeler who claims to receive messages from a medieval warrior"

Related Entry: Back-channel (adjective)

Back-channel is a different word from Channel. The synonyms below are for back-channel, not for channel.

  1. as in closed-door, off-the-record

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Channel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Channel:

Word Forms of Channel

Inflections: channeled, channelled, channeling, channelling

Origin & Etymology of Channel

Middle English chanel, from Anglo-French, from Latin canalis channel canal

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Channel

Words & Phrases Containing Channel

Frequently Asked Questions about Channel

What does "Channel" mean?

"Channel" means the bed where a natural stream of water runs. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the bed where a natural stream of water runs. It has 6 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Channel"?

Other words for "Channel" include aqueduct, canal, conduit, course, flume, racecourse, raceway and watercourse. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Channel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Channel"?

There are 88 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Channel". Common alternatives include aqueduct, canal, conduit, course, flume, racecourse, raceway, watercourse, waterway and narrows.

How do you use "Channel" in a sentence?

Examples of "Channel" in a sentence: "water was drained from the swamp through a specially constructed channel"; "the world record for swimming the channel between France and Great Britain"; "you need to make arrangements through the proper channels".

Is "Channel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Channel" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Channel" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Channel" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Channel"?

"Channel" is pronounced /ˈcha-nᵊl/ and divided into syllables as chan·nel.

What is the origin of the word "Channel"?

"Channel" comes from Middle English chanel, from Anglo-French, from Latin canalis channel canal. First known use: 14th century.