back channel

noun

: a secret, unofficial, or irregular means of communication
back-channel adjective

Examples of back channel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Technocrats once relied on quiet back channels to clarify intent, but now messages move through media, and often conflicting social posts, where misinterpretation thrives. Lizzi C. Lee, Time, 17 Oct. 2025 Several House Republicans called on Johnson to bring the House back to vote on a stand-alone bill to fund the military, though those voices grew quiet after the White House found a back channel to pay the troops during the shutdown. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025 In an all-action display, there were also recovery runs into the right-back channel. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 There's going to be a back channel diplomatic solution to this. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back channel

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back channel was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Back channel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20channel. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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