back channel

noun

: a secret, unofficial, or irregular means of communication

back-channel

ˈbak-ˌcha-nᵊl 

adjective

Examples of back channel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sargeant served as a vital back channel between Washington and Caracas during years of deep hostility, accumulating outsized influence on both sides. — Patricia Garip, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Do not encourage back channels, and eliminate any patterns that are driven by urgency, fear or avoidance. — Leeza Carlone Steindorf, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

European Union leaders have been unable to agree on setting up a back channel with Moscow to ensure that the bloc’s interests are protected should progress be made in negotiations to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, some of them said on Friday. — Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

In the early 1980s, Murphy and a few associates ran an informal back channel between the United States and the Soviet Union. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for back channel

• annal
• annul
• cannel
• flannel
• panel
• pannel
• multichannel
• perianal