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.
Politicians worry if these back channels get exposed, the people find this unacceptable. Maria Streshinsky, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2024 Another way to manage these contradictions is to use back channels to Putin to explore opportunities for de-escalation. Janice Gross Stein, Foreign Affairs, 9 Mar. 2022 Washington can use sanctions to go after North Korea’s sources of income, but this is ineffective as long as China continues to fund the regime through back channels, and allows its companies and banks to deal with North Korea. Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2017 What is clear, the Jeddah meet and the back channel diplomacy buys diplomatic space and time to develop an off ramp that has a least a little traction for now. Nic Robertson, CNN, 8 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near back channel

Cite this Entry

“Back channel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20channel. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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