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.
Even Oman, long Tehran’s back channel to the West, was struck. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Behind the scenes, their panic and confusion are revealed in the many back channels companies are building to the White House. The Week Us, TheWeek, 28 Jan. 2026 This leaves negotiations, which Iran has reportedly initiated through back channels. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 20 Jan. 2026 WhatsApp functioned as an all-purpose back channel at work. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026 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 11 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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