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¹channel

noun chan·nel \ˈcha-n^əl\

Definition of CHANNEL

a : the bed where a natural stream of water runs

b : the deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait

c : a strait or narrow sea between two close landmasses

d : a means of communication or expression: as (1) : a path along which information (as data or music) in the form of an electrical signal passes (2) plural : a fixed or official course of communication <went through established military channels with his grievances>

e : a way, course, or direction of thought or action <new channels of exploration>

f : a band of frequencies of sufficient width for a single radio or television communication

g : channeler

a : a usually tubular enclosed passage : conduit

b : a passage created in a selectively permeable cell membrane by a conformational change in membrane proteins; also : the proteins of such a passage — compare ion channel

: a long gutter, groove, or furrow

: a metal bar of flattened U-shaped section

Origin of CHANNEL

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with CHANNEL

flannel, panel, scrannel

²channel

verb

: to express (your ideas, thoughts, feelings, energy, etc.) through a particular behavior or action

: to send (food, money, etc.) to someone or something

: to carry and move (something, such as water) in or through a tube, passage, etc.

channeled or channelledchannel·ing or channel·ling

Full Definition of CHANNEL

transitive verb

a : to form, cut, or wear a channel in

b : to make a groove in <channel a chair leg>

: to convey or direct into or through a channel <channel his energy into useful work>

: to serve as a channeler or intermediary for

See channel defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CHANNEL

15th century

Related to CHANNEL

Synonyms: canalize, channelize, conduct, direct, funnel, pipe, siphon (also syphon)

Rhymes with CHANNEL

flannel, panel

³channel

noun

Definition of CHANNEL

: 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

Origin of CHANNEL

alteration of chainwale, from ¹chain + ¹wale

First Known Use: 1769

CHANNEL Defined for Kids

¹channel

noun chan·nel \ˈcha-n^əl\

Definition of CHANNEL for Kids

: the bed of a stream

: the deeper part of a waterway (as a river or harbor)

: a strait or a narrow sea <the English Channel>

: a passage (as a tube) through which something flows <an irrigation channel>

: a long groove

: a means by which something is passed or carried from one place or person to another <channels of trade> <a channel of communication>

: a band of frequencies used by a single radio or television station in broadcasting <What's on this channel?>

²channel

verb

chan·neled or chan·nelledchan·nel·ing or chan·nel·ling

Definition of CHANNEL for Kids

: to direct into or through a passage or channel <Water was channeled into the pond.>

Channel

geographical name

Definition of CHANNEL for Kids

islands in English Channel belonging to United Kingdom

Medical Dictionary

channel

noun chan·nel \ˈchan-^əl\

Medical Definition of CHANNEL

: a usually tubular enclosed passage

a : a passage created in a selectively permeable membrane by a conformational change in membrane proteins—see ion channel b : a protein or cluster of proteins that functions as a channel—see calcium channel blocker