channel

1 noun (C)

1 TELEVISION a television station and all the programmes broadcast by it: We watched the news on Channel 4. | This is boring - I'm going to switch to another channel.

2 RADIO a particular range of sound waves which can be used to send and receive radio messages

3 SYSTEM OF INFORMATION also channels (plural) a system or method that you use to send or obtain information about a particular subject: If you go through official channels, your application will take months.

4 FOR WATER a passage that water or other liquids flow along: an irrigation channel

5 SEA/RIVER

a) a passage of water connecting two seas: the Channel (=the English Channel)

b) the deepest part of a river, harbour 1, or sea passage, especially one that is deep enough to allow ships to sail in

6 IN A SURFACE a long deep line cut into a surface or a long deep space between two edges; groove 1 (1): Slide the plastic door strip into the channel provided.

7 WAY TO EXPRESS YOURSELF a way of expressing your thoughts, feelings, or physical energy: The kids need a channel for all that energy.

2 verb channelled, channelling BrE channeled, channeling AmE (T)

1 to control and direct something such as money or energy towards a particular purpose: channel sth into: Nancy channels her creativity into her home life. | channel sth through: The famine relief money was channelled through the UN.

2 to cut a long deep line in something: Water had channelled grooves in the rock.

3 to send water through a passage: An efficient irrigation system channels water to the crops.