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.
Obama also reportedly applied pressure through back channels to push Biden to drop his reelection bid last year, including by green-lighting George Clooney’s op-ed in the New York Times urging Biden to step aside. Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 Chinese officials and others with government ties have also been trying to develop unofficial back channels, through which leaders have historically passed information back and forth while Beijing and Washington negotiate. Ana Swanson, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 In the scenario, Donald Trump could tap Musk as a back channel for diplomacy to ease U.S.-China tensions and facilitate bilateral cooperation when needed. Linggong Kong, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025 As the strike wore on, actors such as George Clooney eventually worked back channels to help bring the labor stoppage to an end. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 13 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back channel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20channel. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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