Channel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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channel

[ˈtʃænəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

television

A television station and its programs.

Synonyms

network, station.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
channel

Referencing a specific outlet or stream of communication, typically on TV or radio.

  • I watched the news on channel 5.
  • Change the channel to see what else is on.
station

Referring to a specific TV or radio broadcaster's physical or individual unit.

  • I listen to the local jazz station every morning.
  • The station is having a fundraising drive this weekend.
network

Talking about a group of interconnected broadcast stations that share content, or a company that provides a range of TV or radio stations.

  • CBS is one of the major networks in the United States.
  • The show airs on the network's prime time slot.

Examples of usage

  • I always watch the news on that channel.
  • What channel is the game on?
Context #2 | Noun

communication

A medium of communication or information.

Synonyms

medium, method.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
channel

Also used to describe a watercourse or a physical path. It can also be used metaphorically to mean directing focus or energy somewhere.

  • The river carved a deep channel through the valley.
  • You need to channel your energy into something productive.
medium

Used to refer to a general means or outlet for communication, particularly in the context of art, literature, and media. It can also refer to a spiritual intermediary.

  • Television is a popular medium for advertising.
  • The artist works with oil paint as her medium.
  • She claimed to be a medium capable of talking to spirits.
method

Refers to a specific procedure or technique used to accomplish a task or solve a problem. It focuses more on the process or approach rather than the means of communication.

  • We need to develop a new method for data analysis.
  • His method of teaching is very effective.

Examples of usage

  • The internet is a valuable channel for research.
  • Face-to-face communication is a more personal channel.
Context #3 | Verb

directing

To direct towards a particular end or object.

Synonyms

direct, funnel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
channel

Use this term when redirecting efforts, resources, or emotions towards something specific. Contexts can be emotional support, work, or energy.

  • She needs to channel her anger into something productive.
  • The company will channel funds into research and development.
direct

This word is suitable for discussing straightforwardness or the act of giving orders and guidance. Often used in conversations about paths, instructions, or leadership.

  • He prefers a direct approach to solving problems.
  • The manager will direct the team on how to proceed.
funnel

Typically used in a business or technical setting to describe the process of guiding something (like resources, information, or customers) through stages or narrowing down choices.

  • We need to funnel our marketing efforts towards our core audience.
  • Please funnel the data through the security scans before sending.

Examples of usage

  • She channeled her energy into her work.
  • The river was channeled to prevent flooding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication

  • The concept of communication channels is pivotal in marketing; it refers to various ways through which messages are delivered.
  • In digital media, channels can refer to platforms like YouTube, where different creators share content in unique styles.
  • The term also finds use in psychology, referring to the pathways of thought and emotional expression between people.

Science

  • In physics, a channel can refer to a space through which particles move, like in a semiconductor.
  • Environmental science often discusses channels in geology, where water shapes land over time.
  • When studying sound, channels refer to specific pathways through which sound waves travel, impacting how sounds are perceived.

Media and Entertainment

  • Television channels first emerged in the 1920s, evolving from a single broadcast into multiple specialized programming options.
  • The rise of the internet has changed the meaning of channels, introducing streaming platforms where viewers can select content instantly.
  • 'Channel surfing' is a popular term describing the act of rapidly changing TV stations to find something interesting.

Art

  • In painting, the term channel can mean the direction of light and shadow, guiding the viewer's eye.
  • Artists often describe their creative expression as finding a channel for their emotions and ideas, pouring feelings into their work.
  • In music, channels can refer to distinct layers in a recording, allowing musicians to mix sounds harmoniously.

Origin of 'channel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'channel' comes from the Latin 'canalis', meaning 'a pipe' or 'a groove'.
  • Originally, it referred to a physical waterway before also describing forms of communication.
  • In Middle English, the term 'chanel' was used to describe a watercourse.

The word 'channel' originated from the Old French word 'chanel' which meant 'water pipe, gutter, groove'. It later evolved to refer to a course for water, a means of communication, and a medium for conveying information. The modern usage of 'channel' in the context of television and communication dates back to the 1920s with the rise of broadcasting and media.


See also: channels, rechannel.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,871, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.